A Look at French Rose` Wines

Many people still don't quite understand nor appreciate rose` wines. They are produced in many parts of the world and are gaining popularity every year. The French love and understand that rose` wines are made to enjoy, drink in their youth and not take them so seriously. The fact is that rose` wines have many styles, most in which I enjoy. These wonderful wines in different shades of pink are great in the spring and summer and pair well with a wide range of fare.  I've had the opportunity to sample three French rose` wines and they all have their own style.

Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rose` 2010

This wine has a beautiful light salmon color. The nose has aromas of ripe peaches, white pepper and a hint of rose petals. The palate has red fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry and a slight herbal note. The wine has a nice note of minerality and a hint of lemon on the finish. This wine is like Provence in a glass. This wine inspired me to create a cream cheese spread infused with Herbes de Provence. This wine would pair well with fresh goat cheese, especially Purple Haze, appetizers, fish, shrimp, and chicken. Note: this wine was a sample provided by Palm Bay International. SRP $11.99 http://www.palmbay.com/news_roses_for_spring.asp

Lorrie's Herbes de Provence Spread

8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese

3 tablespoons chopped green onions

1 tablespoon half and half

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence http://www.vgourmet.com/

¼ teaspoon of sea salt or to taste

2 pinches of cayenne pepper

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until blended and smooth. Place in a bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. I served this spread on Town House crackers. This made for a simple but great pairing.

Mas de la Dame Rose` du Mas 2010

This wine has a medium pink color. The nose has aromas of strawberries, rose petals and a hint of spice. The palate mimicked the nose with an addition of black pepper and a hint of fennel. This wine has a nice structure that showcases its blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Cinsault. This wine would pair well with grilled meats, especially baby back ribs slathered in a smokey sweet sauce, pork chops or chicken.  Note:  This wine was a sample provided by Palm Bay International. SRP $ $14.99 http://www.palmbay.com/news_roses_for_spring.asp

This wine has a beautiful light salmon color. The nose has aromas of very ripe strawberries and cherries. The palate mimicked the nose showcasing those extremely ripe berry flavors along with a hint of white pepper. The grapes were picked at maturity, which makes the natural sugars apparent in the wine.  This makes for a  fruity and so delightful pink wine to drink on a lovely spring or summer day. If you are looking for a wine that would please those who don't enjoy a very dry wine, this would be a great choice.This wine would pair well with young goat cheese, shrimp or ham. Note: This wine was a sample provided by Palm Bay International. SRP $11.49 

http://www.palmbay.com/news_roses_for_spring.asp

Purple Haze Goat Cheese

In closing, please realize that the myth that rose` wines are the twin of white zinfandel is just that, a myth. Try some of these French beauties and tell me what you think!