6 Rosé Wines for Thanksgiving

Picking a wine that will work with a turkey dinner can be tricky, here are six Rosés that will do the job without overpowering the dish:

Carpineto Rosato 2007
Bouquet: floral characteristics, particularly rose, acacia and grape flowers; fruity fragrances like apple, currant and sour cherry are evident.
Flavor: broad and fresh; the characteristic fruity aromas of the bouquet come through with complexity and end with a clean finish.

Domain de Mourchon Seguret Loubie (Rose) 2007
Having a Cote du Rhone designation, this Loubie Rose blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah comes from 40 year old estate grown vines.
Tasting notes:
First up is a bouquet of summer fruits; peaches and nectarines with a tangy grapefruit accent. Next, the bright, crisp flavors of strawberries mingled with a floral undertone and long, fresh fruit finish.

Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia
Pinkish rose with hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries.

Gassier Sables d'Azur Rose 2009
From Cotes de Provence in France, this Rose comes in an hourglass shaped bottle and is a Grenache blend loaded with flowery aromas, waves of grapefruit, apricot and orange peel, with flavors of cherries and roses. $11


Rosaenovae Irpinia Terradora DiPaolo DOC 2009
Paolo Mastroberardino owns this winery formerly shared by brothers. Actually labeled as a red wine (because it's made from red Aglianico grapes), but looking like a rose and showing salmon coloring in the glass, see photo. Aromas of ripe summer fruits mingling with fresh flowers and slight minerality, then enhanced by flavors of sour cherries bringing a nice acidity to the table.

Macari Vineyards Rose 2008
Made from a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Pinot Noir, and 4% Malbec, this rose from the North Fork of Long Island shows colors of pale pink copper with fresh aromas of grapefruit, watermelon and some floral notes of hibiscus. The flavors range from white peach and sour apricot to orange zest, a hint of eucalyptus and a spot of papaya.

Domain de Mourchon Seguret Loubie (Rose) 2007

Cycling though Brooklyn and Queens last weekend on a 25 mile loop, a wine shop in Long Island City caught my eye. So yesterday I decided to visit during one of their tasting nights (most Thursdays and Fridays from 6-8pm). Because of it's proximity to NYC, the area is experiencing an influx of young professionals while offering a more relaxed pace. The place is called Hunters Point Wines & Spirits and behind the counter was one of the founding partners, Paul Huston, who's lived in the neighborhood for 30 years. The shop, designed by Paul, is a smart combination of wine shop, wine museum, tasting room and wine storage cellar. They carry a huge assortment of wines and spirits with rare wines, from small estates, but most of his sales are bottles under $15.


Tasted the Domain de Mourchon Seguret Loubie (Rose) 2007:

Domain de Mourchon is located in the southern Rhone Valley Village of Seguret, near Gigongas. Having a Cote du Rhone designation, this Loubie Rose blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah comes from 40 year old estate grown vines.


Tasting notes:
First up is a bouquet of summer fruits; peaches and nectarines with a tangy grapefruit accent. Next, the bright, crisp flavors of strawberries mingled with a floral undertone and long, fresh fruit finish.

Hunters Point Wines & Spirits
47-07 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City
(718) 472-9463

More Wines for Thanksgiving

I'd like to thank Kristen and her good friends for helping me taste this flight of wine picks for Thanksgiving. The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. (Also thank you to Kristen for photo above.)

Chateau Julien Gewurztraminer 2010 Carmel Valley, California
Light golden colors, clean citrus notes of grapefruit, flowers, honey and jolly rancher green apple, the mild and simple palate shows spice and nice acidity. Gewurztraminer is versatile and will pair well with Turkey dinner, especially if your stuffing is spicy, also may be used before dinner with cheese or after dinner with dessert.

Winemaker notes:
Cold fermented using Steinberger Yeast, known for its slow fermentation, allows the winemaker the ability to maintain natural varietal flavor and a slight residual sugar. While semi-dry in flavor, this wines slightly higher acidity balances the residual sugar for a refreshing, lighter style of wine.

Rasciatano Rose, Puglia Italy
Made with 100% Montepulciano grapes pressed softly then fermented partly in stainless steel vats at a temperature of 13-15° (C) and partly in second and third passage barriques, followed by aging in stainless steel vats for 4-6 months and 4 months in bottle. Rose petal colors, aromas of sour cherry, and peach, on the palate dry, slightly metallic with good acidity.

Dino Torti Forza Inter Pino Nero Oltrepo Pavese 2008 Italy
Also soft pressed, complex aromas of almonds, fruits and flowers, flavors of nutty, apple and pear, dry but satisfying.

Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, 2009 France
The grapes (Gamay) are gently crushed, an extended maceration of 12-20 days gets you the extraction of color and tannins, then aged in French oak for 8 to 10 months. On the nose notes of tar and forest floor, fruit forward on the palate of black sour cherry, pepper, an attractive minerality and holiday spice, good finish. Great deal at $10.

Te Muna Road Vineyard Craggy Range Pinot Noir, 2009, New Zealand
From the region of Martinborough, 100% Pinot Noir grapes are fermented in open-top tanks followed by aging in 33% new French oak barriques for 10 months. Rose red, medium weight but at the same time velvety, tree bark, smoky earth and violets, dry but sweet, beautiful balancing act, plums. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40. A majority of the tasters really enjoyed this one.

St. Francis Winery Sonoma County Old Vines Zinfandel, 2008 California
The average age of the vines here are 80-100 years old, and actually is 89% Zin, and the rest a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Mourverdre, Carignane, Syrah and Petite Sirah. The grapes are fermented then aged in new American oak for 12-15 months. Complex, underbrush, cigar box, cherry vanilla, raspberry, plums, pepper and spice. For the price ($17) very nice.

Luccarelli Pazzia Primitivo di Manduria Old Vines 2007 Puglia, Italy
Deep rich purple ruby colors show such an opacity as to preview what's to come, namely rich cherries with prunes and spices on top of vanilla and chocolate nuances. Very fruit forward but with an Italian flair. Beautiful. $40.

Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni 2005 DOCG Montefalco Italy
Made with the best grapes of 100% Sagrantino, aged 2 years in French Oak Barrique and a minimum of 6 months in bottle. What is immediately apparent is the very deep dark opaque colors, with strong and vibrant vanilla concentrates on the nose, laid over violets, earth and spices. Flavors of ripe fruit woven with spices and vanilla, great aging potential.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Vega Sindoa 2007 Rose Spain

From the Navarro region of Spain comes this rich Rose made from 50% Garnacha and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose has a citrus raspberry, flint and definite spiciness. On the palate are cherries, honeysuckle and a lemon/grapefruit finish, and a bit bolder than most Rose wines. In the $9 range.

Heritiers Dubois Rose D'Anjou AOC 2012

This beautifully fresh French Rose from the Anjou Region of Loire is a blend of Gamay, Grolleau and Cabernet Franc grapes harvested just before over ripening. Pale raspberry colors the glass with ripe red fruity aromas complimented by rose water. On the palate something wonderful happens as the crisp acidity of pears and apples dance a juicy tango slightly spiced with cinnamon. SRP $8.99.

Castel des Maures Cote De Provence Rose Cuvee 2016

This pretty Rose is from the French Riviera on the slopes of the Sauvebonne Valley. The grapes are 50% Grenache and 50% Cinsault.

Pale pink in the glass, dry and fruity, fresh and mild. Aromas of ripe peach and pear with mild citrus tones, on the palate similar ripe fruits of summer, raspberry and a good long finish.

This is my go-to Rose this summer, I generally pay around $16 but may be found for closer to $12.

Castelli Martinozzi Brunello di Montalcino 2006 DOCG

Made from one of my favorite varietals, Sangiovese Grosso, this Brunello is aged a minimum 36 months in French or Slavonian oak barrels, and in the bottle for a minimum of 4 months. Painted with colors of deep rose, complex and delicious aromas of rhubarb pie, dried fig and caramel, with a hint of underbrush. Following through with verdant flavors of black plum, violets, dried cherry, and rose petals and ending with a lingering finish of black currant and dark chocolate.

Picks for Christmas 2009

Sparkling white:
Riondo Prosecco Italy
"...with delicous fragrances of orange blossoms, apricots and ripe peaches", to accompany shrimp appetizers.

White:
Urban Uco Torrontés 2009 Argentina $10
"...fragrant and snappy, the first whiff just put a big smile on my face", try this with linguine with clam sauce.

Red:
Il Trullo Salento Primitivo Italy, $11
"...loaded with resinous flavors of cassis and dark berries", similar to a Zinfandel and will work really well with a veal dish.

Rose:
Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia, Italy
"... hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries." This will work with a traditional Italian Christmas Eve "7 fishes".

Dessert:
Marenco 2007 Pineto Brachetto d'Acqui Italy
"... a strawberry bubbly that is an excellent way to end a Christmas Eve meal.

Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia

The grapes are macerated from 12-18 hours to infuse the colors and aromas of 100% Negroamaro, then fermented in steel tanks before bottling.

Pinkish rose with hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries.

Con la mia moglie, ieri sera: prosciutto con melone e fichi... insalata cesare.... buratta e pomodori con aceto balsamico... petto di pollo in crosta di parmigiano... con una bottiglia di vino rosè, ad un ristorante chiamato Il Poeta. Delizioso!

Macari Vineyards Rose 2008

Made from a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Pinot Noir, and 4% Malbec, this rose from the North Fork of Long Island is perfect for the beginning of summer.

Showing colors of pale pink copper with fresh aromas of grapefruit, watermelon and some floral notes of hibiscus. The flavors range from white peach and sour apricot to orange zest, a hint of eucalyptus and a spot of papaya.

Retails for $14.99, 12.8% alcohol.

Full Disclosure: I received this wine as a sample.

Macari Rose 2010

To me, sometimes fruit is a better thirst quencher than a simple glass of water. And the Macari Rose 2010 from Long Island's North Fork is a case in point. The wonderful wet aromas of a freshly cut watermelon... luscious ripe strawberries picked this morning... and juicy red berries previewing the bright flavors of fresh squeezed cherries and contrasting nicely with hints of citrus to balance things out. And ending happily with a smooth and long finish.

The blend by the way is 70.7% merlot, 14.5% Cabernet Franc, 9.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5.6% Malbec with 13.8% alcohol. This is a summertime must-have at $15 SRP.

See another review of this wine by Eric Guido

Celliers de France Cinsault 2011 Vin De Pays d'Oc

Cinsault is a red wine grape that grows well in dry regions, has a high tolerance for heat, is hugely successful in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, and It's the 4th most widely planted grape in France. Vin de pays is a French term meaning "country wine", there are six regional Vin de Pays, the most voluminous being the Vin de Pays d'OC in the Languedoc-Roussillon.

This Rose is a pale pink in the glass with aromas of melon and raspberry, while the palate shows watermelon, a dry white sour cherry and mild minerality with a flinty undercurrent on the finish. 

The aromas exhibit a fruitiness that belies the dryer palate, making this Rose an excellent partner with a few cheeses, especially smoked Gouda. I believe this bottle was a great buy at under $6. Enjoy!

Gassier Sables d'Azur Rose 2009

From Cotes de Provence in France, this Rose comes in an hourglass shaped bottle and is a Grenache blend loaded with flowery aromas, waves of grapefruit, apricot and orange peel, with flavors of cherries and roses. $11 at Beech Street Liquors of Long Beach.

Macari Vineyards Rose 2013

This is the first time Macari has done a Rose with mainly Cabernet Franc (60%) with Pinot Noir (2%) added (there is also 38% Merlot). All were vinified separately and left soaking on the skins for 3 hours.

Fresh and lively acidity with red fruits, mainly strawberry and raspberry, with waves of watermelon, peach and red cherry. White pepper on the finish. Perfect for this time of year. SRP is $15.

COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2007 VQPRD, Sicilia

The first time I tried this super intriguing Sicilian red was a few years back at In Vino with proprietor and East Village Wine Geek, Keith Beaver. I finally got hold of a bottle for about $31 at Pop's in Island Park, Long Island- and as last time, it didn't disappoint. I love this wine!

Made with 60% Nero d'Avola grapes blended with 40% Frappato, dry but with a balanced acidity, medium weight, and sexy aromas of licorice and cherry pie... also hints of glycerine blending with spicy cinnamon flavors and powdered dry flowers, dusty rose and violets.

Or... we can say it in a Haiku:

Spicy cinnamon,
Licorice and cherry pie,
powdered dusty rose.

Footnote: COS was established in 1980 by three friends—Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Pinuccia Strano—each of whom is represented by the initial letter of his surname in the winery’s title.

Cantele Rosato Negroamaro 2007 IGT Puglia

The grapes are macerated from 12-18 hours to infuse the colors and aromas of 100% Negroamaro, then fermented in steel tanks before bottling.

Pinkish rose with hints of copper paints this Rosato from Puglia, while sour cherry gummy bears and strawberries express the aromas. The crisp palate shows a tart freshness that sings with the essence of rose water and cherries.

Pairing superbly with cauliflour soup, scallops with pancetta and crispy greens, and a quatro formaggio risotto at Il Poeta in Forest Hills (expertly suggested by Luca).

Mustache Vineyards Merlot 2011 Lodi California

From Lodi California this excellent Merlot is a huge bargain at $15 per bottle! It's actually a blend of 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Sirah and 2% Petit Verdot and is truly a thing of beauty. After fermentation the grapes were soft pressed and 30% went into French and American oak barrels while 70% went into stainless steel tanks for 11 months prior to bottling.

Warm rose colors the glass, with enormous ripe fruit aromas showing raisins, spices, maple syrup, vanilla, plums and marzipan. On the palate blueberry, blackberry, cola, white pepper and leather. Pretty acidity, nicely integrated and balanced with a long, smooth finish.

Rosaenovae Irpinia Terradora DiPaolo DOC 2009

Paolo Mastroberardino owns this winery formerly shared by brothers. Actually labeled as a red wine (because it's made from red Aglianico grapes), but looking like a rose and showing salmon coloring in the glass, see photo. Aromas of ripe summer fruits mingling with fresh flowers and slight minerality, then enhanced by flavors of sour cherries bringing a nice acidity to the table. Found this at The Wine Room of Forest Hills, recommended by Carolina. Approx. $16/bottle.

Paired so beautifully with a focaccia with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes and basil from Rocco's on Bleeker Street.

Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino 2004 DOCG

Aged three years in oak and 2 years in bottle, this beauty has earthy undertones of brush, with deep floral notes, bing cherries, mild red peppers, blueberries, and blackberries/cassis. A creamy cola finish that is smooth and pleasant and dried rose petals that goes on forever.

Sampled at Wine Spectator's Grand Tour in NYC this past week.

Left Coast Cellars Cali's Cuvée Pinot Noir 2013

From Left Coast Cellars in Willamette Valley, Oregon comes this light and airy Pinot Noir. In spite of that lightness this one shows a surprising intensity that pulses and then opens nicely. Medium weight, light and clear in the glass and pale rose colors. In contrast the aromas display new fruits, strawberry, white pepper flowing into more intricate mushroom and earthy notes. On the palate are ripe plum, a slightly metallic raspberry, a bit of minerality... even a bit of leather and barbecue smoke. This one is like a sunset, somewhere between sweet and tart with light tannins and bright acidity, smooth and round with a good finish.