If I do nothing else in this lifetime, it will be convincing people that Rose’ is not White Zinfandel. So go turn your nose back down to where it belongs and take a deep, healthy sniff of Rose’ and prepare to be amazed. Some of the most amazing food matches and times with friends have had a Rose’ attached to it whether it was in the Willamette Valley or right here at home on the front porch. This month’s discussion will include Pouilly-Fume and Pinot Blanc for these hot, hot, hot days of summer. Oh, I can’t forget the newest addition to Arkansas’ Cabernet portfolio, Burly Cab from Simpskins Vineyard in Coomsville (soon to be the next California AVA for great Cabs). We welcome Hank and Bernice to this quirky but loving market.
CHARLES AND CHARLES, 2010 ROSE’ OF SYRAH, COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON -$10.78 – Yes you can drink Rose’ and still be a bad A##! This is not a White Zin. I repeat this is not a Blush or a White Zinfandel. Wild strawberries and raspberries with some sage, rose petals and a bucket full of watermelon Jolly Ranchers thrown in. Young, lively and spry. A super summer refresher that is going to please everyone involved. Perfect for these sultry, unbelievably warm days with an assortment of fine cheeses and fresh seafood that match perfectly with this Rose’.
PASCAL JOLIVET, 2009 POUILLY FUME, POUILLY FUME, FRANCE - $25.19 – With the heat being what it is I will always splurge a little for a great Loire Valley white to take the edge off. In this case the wine comes from across the river (east bank) in Pouilly Fume’. The house of Jolivet is the youngest winery in the Loire and Pouilly Fume. Their ability to get the most amazing expression from the fruit is their claim to fame for me. Explosive minerality balanced with perfect acidity gives this bottle top marks in my cellar.
BURLY 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY, CA - $58.48 – For us die hard Cabernet fans I have to mention the newest Napa Cab to the Arkansas market despite the heat. A striking balance of fruit purity, layered flavors and a thick viscous mouth fell, this Napa Cab will provide years of enjoyment. Complex aromas of currants, blackberries and cassis arrive on the nose, accompanied by a silky palate that delivers dense blackberry concentration balanced by well-rounded and sweet oak tannins. Layered, complex and lingering, it is truly a wine drinking experience!
TRIMBACH, 2004 PINOT BLANC, ALSACE, FRANCE - $15.43 -The Trimbach’s settled in Alsace and founded the family wine business in 1626. Today, they continue the centuries-old dedication to wine with beautiful pure fruit, precise, fine flavors and astonishing longevity. Their Pinot Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, and has a beautiful fruitiness. It is elegant and easy to understand. This beautiful white is fresh and clean, medium-bodied with good fruit acidity, with a smooth finish. Seafood weeps for this beautiful white as well as most shell fish.
We can only pray for these blistering days of summer to come to an end soon. Everyone have a happy and safe Fourth of July. I can be found at County Line, Tuesday through Saturday for any of your wine or entertaining questions. Remember friends don’t let friend’s drink White Zinfandel!
Enjoy!
Mark Hatwig
mark@slausa.com
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