Sunday, August 07, 2005

2 Rosés: France Grenache blend, Spain Garnacha blend

DOMAINE DU GRAND CROS ROSÉ 2004, Cotes de Provence, France, 14.0% XD, #748822 $12.95 (Tasted August 7, 2005)

Vintages says: "After escaping the battlegrounds of Canadian politics, in 1989 Hugh Faulkner (a former cabinet minister in Pierre Trudeau's government) and his wife Jane fell in love with the vineyards near the village of Carnoules. Over the last 15 years, they and their team have reduced the yields, changed the trellising system and adopted an environmentally friendly approach to winemaking. The resulting wines are richer, riper and more impactful on the palate than many Provençal rosés. Enjoy with grilled seafood dishes. This is an August 6, 2005 release." The label says: "...known for its lively and fresh fruity character. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan ... etc. Serve with trout, salmon or grilled white meat as well as Asian dishes." My notes: Light pink with a peach hue in the glass and an imperceptible nose. Light-bodied, very dry on the palate with faint strawberry notes, improving slightly off-chill. Finish is dry, not tart but crisp and fairly long. Should pair nicely with white fish dishes, unlikely grilled salmon but poached OK, and chinese pork/chicken/seafood rice dishes.

SEGURA VIUDAS VIÑA HEREDAD ROSADO 2004, Penedes, Spain, 11.5% D, #680918 $11.95 (Tasted August 7, 2005)

Vintages says: "In our market, Segura Viudas is best-known as a producer of superior sparkling wines. However, for some years they have also created a complete line of fine still wines, such as this rosé. A blend of 45% Garnacha, 35% Tempranillo and 20% Cariñena, this rosé is elegant, soft and very fresh with the bright fruit tones balanced by crisp acidity. Enjoy it with summer salads, aperitif or simply prepared fish or seafood dishes. This is an August 6, 2005 release." The label says: "..aromas that remind one of raspberry, redcurrant and ripe bananas. etc. ... refreshing acidity, long and tasty." Beppi writes: "excellent.... quite substantial, showing cherry and spice and zesty acidity on a clean, lingering finish." My notes: A vivid strawberry in the glass with imperceptible nose. Quite similar to the Domaine du Grand Cros Rosé except for the tempranillo giving a comparatively stronger strawberry and redcurrant aspect to the flavour. Very dry, light-bodied, crisp without being tart. Finish is smoothe on the lips with a persistent berry in the mouth. Pair with white fish dishes, chinese or even thai, cheeses, italian cold cuts.

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