After a week of pink, what do you make of all these rosé? Have we learned anything? Maybe. Before we recap on conclusions, here's a quick recap on the wines and their respective scores in loose order of preference:
2009 Chateau Mayne Sansac Bordeaux Rosé (far and away the best of tasting) $10
2010 El Coto de Rioja Rosado (solid 2nd place) $10
2010 Hecht & Bannier Rosé Languedoc $12
2010 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Rosé Belleruche $12
2009 Château Garrineau Envie d'été Rosé $10
2010 Paul Jaboulet Rosé Côtes du Rhône P45 $14
So, does rosé deserve legitimacy beyond ladies' luncheons? Sometimes.
Sorry, no absolutes here. Not today. Really, though, these wines demonstrate a lack of consistency, particularly in the 2010 vintage, that frustrates consumers. Does that mean you should stay away? No. There is definitely some eye-opening drinking enjoyment to be had in rosé. Experiement a little. None of these wines are going to break the bank. Just keep in mind these simple guidelines:
2009 Chateau Mayne Sansac Bordeaux Rosé (far and away the best of tasting) $10
2010 El Coto de Rioja Rosado (solid 2nd place) $10
2010 Hecht & Bannier Rosé Languedoc $12
2010 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Rosé Belleruche $12
2009 Château Garrineau Envie d'été Rosé $10
2010 Paul Jaboulet Rosé Côtes du Rhône P45 $14
So, does rosé deserve legitimacy beyond ladies' luncheons? Sometimes.
Sorry, no absolutes here. Not today. Really, though, these wines demonstrate a lack of consistency, particularly in the 2010 vintage, that frustrates consumers. Does that mean you should stay away? No. There is definitely some eye-opening drinking enjoyment to be had in rosé. Experiement a little. None of these wines are going to break the bank. Just keep in mind these simple guidelines:
- Buy the the 2009 vintage over 2010. Really. It's a big difference.
- Rioja, Bordeaux, and the Rhone should be your go to regions. In that order.