Rosé Wine Chillin’ for Summertime Grillin’

Rosé wine for summertime. OK, I’ll admit it’s not a perfect rhyme but this summer is the perfect time to break out the Rosé wines. No white Zins, here. These beauties are dry and rich with flavor. Do real men drink Rosé, you ask? Hell yes! This big Texas wine dude loves a chilled glass of pink, especially when I’m at the grill with my friends and the sun begins to slide behind the oak trees. These wines are a party on your palate.

Speaking of grilling… Rosés are great with grilled salmon, and chicken while some of the fuller bodied ones like Belle Glos can stand up to pork or lightly seasoned beef. Fish or shrimp Veracruz and ceviche also pair well with Rosé. This year, my new grilling menu staple is grilled salad. While this recipe calls for a balsamic vinaigrette, I like a bleu cheese vinaigrette or a light ranch dressing. Be creative with your salad and always top with bacon, it’s easy. Pair with a brighter Rosé like Van Duzer or Deep Sea.

Below are Wine Blog of Bacchus and Beery’s favorites from the those we’ve reviewed this spring and summer. Many are value priced and any one could cement your reputation as the grill party king or queen.

2010 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rose, Willamette Valley, OR, $16

Van Duzer offers a salmon colored 100% Pinot Noir Rosé that will party on your palate and be the star of your summer grilling gala. This lovely dry wine opens with a pop of strawberry, red cherry, watermelon, light spice and herb. Perfect with lighter grilling fare like salmon or chicken.

2010 Belle Glos “Oeil de Perdrix” Pinot Noir Blanc, Brugioni Vineyards, Sonoma County, CA, $17

A manly dry Rosé full of depth and structure. Belle Glos “Oeil de Perdrix” Pinot Noir Blanc, is perfect as a stand-alone sipper or paired with the likes of grilled salmon or chicken. Pinot Noir flavors of strawberry, cranberry, raspberry, spice and a hint of rich rhubarb create a summer wine you won’t want to put down.

2008 Charity Case Rosé, Napa Valley, CA, $15

A tasty Rosé for even a better cause! Your purchase of Charity Case wine supports Napa Valley Charities helping children and families. The wine offers up dry fruity explosion on the palate of rich strawberry, dried cranberry, rhubarb, with a hint of a dark red Jolly Rancher. Enjoy this yummy patio sipper while helping kids in need.

2009 The Crusher Rosé of Pinot Noir, Clarksburg, CA, $12

The Crusher Rosé is dangerously easy drinking… soft strawberry, spice, rhubarb and raspberry. This is no wimpy thin Rosé. 13% Viognier adds to the depth, structure and complexity. A great patio sipper at a great price that will pair well with lighter summer meals.

2010 Chateau de Fontenille Bordeaux Clairet, Grand Vin de Bordeauz, France, $14

This rosé is thick and chewy. A man’s rosé, if you will. Made predominantly from Cabernet Franc and other Bordeaux varietals, this enjoyable offering sports flavors of strawberry, dark cherry and spice with just a hint of tannin to add to the full flavor. A fantastic value at $12-$14. Excellent with grilled salmon.

2009 Deep Sea – Sea Flower Dry Rosé, Central Coast, CA, $28

This dry and somewhat jammy Rosé just screams for a warm Saturday afternoon patio party. Deep Sea is very fruit forward with balanced acidity. A pleasantly round mouth-feel of ripe strawberry, raspberry, red fruit and a touch of plum. Paired very well with grilled salmon and grilled salad.

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