Rosé Wines
Summer is winding down in Texas and my adventures with Rosé this season is one of my wine highlights. And, unlike many regions in the US, Texans still enjoy almost summer like conditions well into the fall. This means that I’ll be enjoying the varietals that turn wine into a light splash of crispness. Rosé can be created from a host of grape varietals. The wine gets it’s color from limited contact with the grape skins during the fermentation process. A recent launch tasting of rose wines from Château de Berne and the Ultimate Provence under the leadership of the Provence Rosé Group, introduced me to Berne Emotion, Berne Inspiration (www.chateauberne.com) and Urban Provence (www.provencerose.com/urban-provence-up). These Rosé wines are 2017 offerings with eye catching bottle designs that are a perfect accompaniment with a variety of foods and as wines to drink alone.
Château de Berne is located in the southeast Provences region of France known for it’s production of an exceptional variety of rosé wines. Wines are believed to have been produced at Château de Berne since Roman times. Modern winemaking at the Château started in 1750 with over 200 acres on the estate being dedicated to vineyards. Located in Cote de Provence,Château de Berne is lead by winemaker Alexis Cornu. Alexis is a life long winemaker and has worked in the Provence appellation for over 15 years. Urban Provence is produced in La Garde Freinet at the northern edge of the famed Notre Dame Cathedral.
Berne Emotion is a light bodied dry rosé with a nose of raspberry, strawberry and white flowers. Emotion is a blend of Grenach, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. It is a crisp, clean wine that is easy to drink. I paired this rosé with a medium sharp cheddar cheese from Canada. The rosé’s crispness and flavors of strawberry and a hint of citrus (almost grapefruit like from the Grenache) paired well with the cheddar. Later in the evening, I enjoyed another tasting this time with a seafood pasta dish. I found the rosé once again to be a good pairing with the slightly savory taste of clams.
2017 Château de Berne Emotion Rosé
When to Drink: Now
Varietal: 50% Grenache Noir, 25% Cinsault, 25% Syrh
Food Pairing: Seafood, Cheese
Average Selling Price: $15.99
Berne Inspiration is a fruit forward rosé with a nose reminding me of a freshly squeezed cherry with a hint of pomegranate. The taste is strong on the strawberry side. I would describe Inspiration as a sweeter rosé with a high acidity level. This rosé is higher in minerality and I would recommend pairing it with a creamy cheese such as a cheddar or gouda.
2017 Château de Berne Inspiration Rosé
When to Drink: Now
Varietal: 70% Grenache Noir, 20% Cinsault, 10% Syrah
Food Pairing: Creamy Cheeses
Average Selling Price: $19.99
Urban Provence is a dry rose made primarily from Grenache and Syrah grapes with hints of pepper. The nose gives hints of white flowers, red berries and white pepper. This is a shiny, bright rose that pairs well with food. It is fruit forward with tart cherry flavors. Minerality and spices finish the palate. This is a lightly acidic rose.
2017 Urban Provence Rosé
When to Drink: Now
Varietal: 45% Grenach Noir, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 5% Rolle
Food Pairing: Seafood, Pork
Average Selling Price: $22.99