Indian Summer = Rosé Clearance

Sorry for the hiatus - back to work, back to school, etc. got this Savvy Sommelier distracted from spreading wine goodness via the blogosphere.

Last I wrote about Rose = Clairet = Summer Perfection. As we transition into autumn, I'll continue with that theme with a set of savory specials - all intended to evoke memories of your summer, while we experience the warmth of early fall in N. CA.

Bodegas Muga is from Rioja in Spain. Their 2006 Rosé is a blend of tempranillo (Spain's signature red varietal) and garnacha (known as grenache in France and other parts of the world). It is pale pink in color. On the nose I experience aromatic redcurrent, strawberry and even some pink bubble gum (yup). The fruit is complemented by a dusty warmth that evokes a warm Spanish evening. Dry and on sale at Savvy Cellar for only $10.40. (90 points by Stephen Tanzer)

Slowine is one of my favorite new finds. They are from Elgin in the Overberg region of South Africa, east of Cape Town. Similar to the slow food movement, Slowine's philosphy is " . . . to remind us that so much of what is important in life happens in the moments "in between", when you aren't "doing something."" I invite you to stop for awhile and enjoy their 2007 Rosé. It is pinot noir - bright Salmon pink in color. I get ripe strawberries and cherries on the nose. A harmonious wine with sugar and acid in balance. Crisp and refreshing on the finish. I would serve this with roasted or bbq meats, root vegetables or even a light curry dish. On sale for $12.

Closer to home is one of my favorite California wineries, Tablas Creek in Paso Robles. They are dedicated to producing great Rhone varietal-based wines. Their 2007 rosé is an artful blend of mourvedre, grenache and counoise. It is pale red. Musky red berry and pomegranate aromas are complemented by baking spices and herbs. This is a food loving wine that is the perfect way to transition to the fuller, richer, earthy and stewed foods of fall. And a perfect sign-off for this blog post! On sale for $20.80.

For more background and serving tips on rosé, check out "Not Your Mama's Wine Cooler".

Stop by Savvy Cellar if you'd like to sample these or other great fall wines in person.

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.