Pink...The Perfect Springtime Color!

Really, they're more Salmon in hue but pink all the same!  Arriving for the next few weeks in stores near you -- 2009 French Rosés!  I love them as they're refreshing, food friendly and palate intriguing. 

Domaine Ott has been my favorite since discovering it at a wine trade show in Bordeaux some twenty years ago but I'm no longer inclined to pay the price for the winery's top bottling when I can find so many fabulous Rosés for half the price!  I did just enjoy another label of Domaine Ott's, "Les Domaniers de Puits Mouret, 2009"(Appellation Controlee Côtes de Provence.)  Citrus zest on the nose and citrus, strawberry and minerality on the palate.  About 1/3 the cost of Domaine Ott.

Domaine Fontanyl 2009 (also AOC Côtes de Provence) is a less expensive but fun alternative to the Les Domainiers.  It has a floral strawberry nose with tart strawberries on the finish.

Both these wines would pair well with lighter pasta sauces, Salmon and soft cheeses.  If you want to push the paring, try it with spice both Asian and Indian!

WineFUNdamentals: The Rhones of March

WineFUNdamentals: The Rhones of March: "In Northern California, March is the month we transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer which means this month can be cold ..."

The Rhones of March

In Northern California, March is the month we transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer which means this month can be cold or warm or both.  Yes, February has it's warm days and April it's cold, but March is the month that you can put on a bikini top and then decide whether you want to go snow skiing or water skiing.  I like to transition my wine too -- from the big, heavy reds to the reds of the Rhone Valley and the Rosés of Provence (more on the Rosés those later this month.)

And, why Rhone reds?

Because they're packed with earthiness and fruit but with structures and tannins that tend to be softer than Cabernet Sauvignons.

This is the one I'm enjoying tonight...


Coudoulet de Beaucastel, referred to by the winery as "Baby Beaucastel"  -- leather, tobacco, earthiness, red fruit and thyme.  For the most aromatics, open it up a couple of hours before you intend to drink it...and don't skimp on the swirling...