Strawberries, cherries and an angel's kiss in springMy summer wine is made of all these thingsTake off your silver spurs and help me pass the timeAnd I will give to you summer wine. -Lee Hazelwood (as sung by Nancy Sinatra and Lana Del Rey)
For pure summer refreshment my favorite wine is definitely a dry, crisp Rose. I drink Rose year round from all over the globe but there is nothing like an ethereal Rose from Provence and my pick is the 2012 Whispering Angel by Cave d'Esclans. This up-and-coming winery is located in the Southeast part of France in the Cotes de Provence appellation. Whispering Angel is the entry level line from Cave d'Esclans and it has a growing presence in the US market. Indeed all Roses from Provence have a growing presence in the USA according to www.Provencewineusa.com. Exports of Provencal Rose increased by 41% from 2011 to 2012 and I have played a part in that increase. In fact, I buy Whispering Angel at my neighborhood Costco for under $20. But what is so great about this dry style rose?
Cotes de Provence is the lavender-colored appellation
Whispering Angel is made from a blend of Grenache, Rolle (aka Vermintino), Syrah and Tibouren.
Imagine, if you will, dipping your toes in a cool river on a hot day while nibbling on sweet and sour fruits. This is much like drinking a well-chilled bottle of Whispering Angel due to its crisp character, minerality and fruit aromatics.
When you look in the glass you see a light almost transparent coppery salmon and when you sniff you detect winter melon, river rocks, licorice, pink lady apple, and subtle strawberry notes.
As you swish it around in your mouth you notice the balance of dryness, fruit and acidity. And then a dose of anise hits your mid-palate followed by a long linger of barely ripe nectarine.
For something that appears so delicate you notice that this wine has backbone and enough heft to pair with Thai food, especially the red curry chicken infused with anise. Rose is defintely a wine to pair with a variety of foods.
For more on this versatile wine please visit Cave d'esclans and for more on Roses from
Provence try www.provencewineusa.com Oh, and don't forget to google "Summer Wine" by both Nancy and Lana. You might be pleasantly surprised.
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