Wine Review Monday

A Rose by any other name . . . and when it's wine it could be "rosé."

Rosé wines are not just for ladies who lunch. It is a refreshing wine like any of your favorite whites, and it can be rich and complex, and stand up to your grilled shrimp or burger just like your favorite red wines.

Here are a few rosé wines that are festive and food friendly which can be served at your buffet party for any celebration. Or you can enjoy it while you are relaxing on a warm summer afternoon.


Stellar Organics Shiraz Rosé 2008 ($14) -- This organic wine from South Africa is made from various Shiraz vineyards with grapes that were quite ripe when picked which gives the wine its darker color. It has aromas of sweet fruits and some flavors of mixed fruit salad and tart raspberries. If organic wine is important to you, this is the wine to try.

Sofia Rosé by Francis Coppola, Monterey County (California) 2008 ($17) -- The bright pink color of this rosé has aromas of raspberries, rose petals and tea leaves. It is refreshing on the palate with flavors of strawberries, red cherries, ginger and candied orange peel. Its refreshing zesty style is perfect for light summer salads and grilled seafood. This wine is in an attractive bottle and will make a great hostess gift as well.

Green Point Pinot Noir Rosé 2007 ($19) -- From the Yarra Valley this rosé has aromas of red berries with flavors of strawberry and red currant. This is fresh and well balanced for the perfect food friendly wine.

Remember to serve your rosé wines chilled. If the temperature is sizzling along with your grill, keep the bottles in a bucket of water and ice for a refreshing wine to compliment your summer menus.

Salute!
Winelady Cooks