Itʼs beginning to feel a little
like summer so for many,
rosé wines are in season.
Rosé wines originated in France,
but are now produced all over
the world.

Normally rosé is made from
red-skinned grapes that are left
in contact with the skins for a
short period, typically two or
three days.

In America, the zinfandel
grape is mostly used and is
known as White Zinfandel. In
France and beyond, the grapes
used vary, leading to a really
interesting range of rosé wines.
Here are a few of my favourites:

Rosé Coteaux du Languedoc,
2008, Domaine du Poujol,
France. €10.40
Made from a blend of
Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault
and Syrah, a small proportion
of this wine is fermented in barrel
to give structure to the wine.
Dry in style with lovely aromas
of strawberries and redcurrants,
this wine is fresh and fruity on
the palate with lively acidity.

Roundhill White Zinfandel
2008, California, U.S.A.
€12.00
A blend of Zinfandel and a
small amount of Muscat, this
wine is bursting with fruit aromas
of ripe melons and strawberries.
This is a dry style with
a hint of sweetness on the palate
and flavours of ripe strawberries,
cranberries and orange. A
lovely wine chilled and a great
accompaniment to seafood and
salads.

Muddy Water Pinot Rosé
2008, New Zealand. €13.85
Hailing from the Waipara region
in New Zealand, this wine,
made from Pinot Noir, has aromas
of raspberries, tropical
fruits and a hint of floral notes.
The palate had good acidity
and a refreshing finish. Simply
enjoy on its own or with light
meats and poultry.

Marques de Monistrol Cava
Rosé N.V, Spain €18.00
If you enjoy bubbles, this is an
excellent pink cava from Spain.
A blend of Monastrell and Pinot
Noir, this cava is full of ripe
cherries and strawberry fruit on
the palate with a lively fresh finish.
Delicious!

These wines are available at
good independent wine stores,
including The Wine Boutique,
Ringsend.