The World through Rose Colored Glasses

The last weekend of summer tends to make me feel slightly depressed that the warm weather is on its way out , almost as if I can ominously feel the cold, dark weather just around the corner. However, this Labor Day weekend I decided to try a different approach to beating the end-o-summer blues by what else? Drinking pink.

I have always been a huge advocate of Rose, and this Sunday was one of those moments where the weather, food, friends and wine all came together to create a perfect day. Instead of being sad about the summer leaving, I took the approach of looking through rose colored glasses literally and poured myself and friends an array of roses from all around the world. We ushered out our friend summer with the conviction of saying, “good times, you’ve been great, see ya next year!” The following are the wines we tried. If you haven’t done so, I recommend trying them, as all were excellent. And all you fellas out there who may be skeptic of “pink wine” don’t be afraid. Remember real men drink pink!

La Vielle Ferme, Cotes du Ventoux, $7.69. Dark cherry color, with ripe strawberry and a dry, mineral finish. The best value rose you can find!
Borsao, Campo de Borja, $8.89. I love Garnacha any way I can get it, and this has some baking spice and a lively mouthfeel. Try it with salsa.
Vitiano, Umbria, $9.99. This is ridiculously good for the money. Following the Italian trend it is floral (like rose water) and also has some dried herb qualities.
Carmela Benegas, Mendoza, $12.49. The label here could get any man to try rose, with its provocatively posed young lady. Interesting, it is 100% Cabernet Franc. No green pepper here though, just some sexy strawberry.
Domaine Lafond , Tavel, $17.69. Although current vintage on the shelf is 2009, we tried a 2007. It was still drinking quite nicely, and the few years in bottle gave it a lush, velvet feel. Tavel is my favorite region for rose, offering the most body and complex flavors.