Rosé, Not Your Mama's Wine Cooler

Sophisticated wine palates know that today's rosé is not the sweet syrup that many of us knew in our youth or parent's coming of age. Many in the know view rosé as the most versatile of wines. In fact Jeff Morgan, Author turned Napa Valley Winemaker, wrote a great book on this subject: Rosé, A Rosé, A Guide to the World's Most Versatile Wine.

Rosé has more depth than a white and can stand on its own with the big reds. A perfect accompaniment to many types of cuisine, rosé is equally at home with a hearty meat or a delicate fish. In fact, rosé is fast becoming the drink of choice of stylish Americans as Celia Chen posts in her blog: Notes on a Party. Celia recently reached out to the Savvy Sommelier to get some tips on fine rosés.

Things to Keep In Mind with Rosé
1) Rosé is best when it is young
Rosé is at its peak when it is young and fresh. Look for bottles that are less than a year or two old.

2) Get the temperature just right
Americans tend to over chill their white and rosé wine. Serving it icy cold kills the flavor. Take the wine out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving.

3) Freeze the bubbly
When its comes to sparkling wine and champagne, the colder the better. In this case, a few minutes in the freezer before serving does wonders for anything with bubbles.

4) Good wine does not have to be expensive
It is possible for savvy consumers to find high quality wines at affordable prices. Savvy Cellar Wines showcase wines that are rated 90 points or higher by leading wine critics and that cost $39/bottle or less.

Some of our favorite rosé wines:
Australia
06 The Colonial Estate "Enchanteur" - $24
06 Turkey Flat Rose - $18
06 Angove's Nine Vines South Australia - $12

California
05 Bonny Doon Vin Gris De Cigare - $14
06 Tablas Creek Rose - $25

France
06 Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rose - $30
06 Mas de la Dame Les Baux de Provence Rose du Mas - $13

Sparkling Rosés
Schramsberg Brut Rose Sparkling wine - $42
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rose Champagne - $40
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne NV - $55

Some of the above can be found at Savvy Cellar Wines.