Hot Topic: Rosés - Not Your Parents' Kool-Aid Wines

By Bryan Robbins, Cool Springs Wines & Spirits

Published in VIP Franklin Magazine, August 2006

When summer is in full swing in Middle Tennessee, wine drinkers often search for just the right wine to accompany an afternoon on the patio. Ros��s can be ideal for hot weather ��� they are light, refreshing, and pair well with foods including: shellfish, pasta, poultry, pork, grilled vegetables, salads and cheeses.

Rosés are often thought of as White Zinfandel; however, this is a false assumption. These are not your parents' "Kool-Aid" wines. They are not as sweet or sugary as their more popular counterparts. Offering alluring aromas, copious amounts of fruit, great character and a dry finish, these wines are full of sophistication.

Wine stores and restaurants are encouraging customers to try a ros�� instead of their regular selections. The elegance, complexity, and surprising depth of character often leave customers clamoring for more. Great rosée can be found in regions as diverse as France, Australia, Spain and the United States. European rosées tend to be quite dry, while American Rosés are a bit sweeter, but wines from both regions are delicate and refreshing.

Some of the top rosé producing regions in France ��� and the world for that matter ��� are in the Rhone Valley and Provence. The Rhone produces Tavel Rosées and Cotes-du-Rhone Rosés and, along with the Rosés of Provence, which set the standard for quality. Typical varieties found in Rhone Rosés are Grenache Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. Spain produces Rosés in Rioja, which tend to be dry and delicate. Several other notable regions in Spain include Navarra, Catalonia, and the sub-regions of Castilla Leon. Many of the Spanish offerings are Grenache dominant, carry loads of raspberry flavors, and show impressive depth.

The top "New-World" selections come from Australia and the United States. While many of the Rosés produced in California's Central Coast region are Rhone clones created by a group of producers calling themselves "The Rhone Rangers," there are several others who make quality products derived from grapes such as the extremely popular Pinot Noir. Other great examples can be found in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Australia has several fine Rosés produced in a variety of styles using grapes ranging from Rhone varieties to Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolcetto

Although the summer in Williamson County can be hot and humid, a refreshing glass of Rosé can quench your thirst and soothe your soul.