Drinking The Pink for Spring | Rosé and Food Pairings in Quarantine
If there is one thing I have learned about myself during this time in quarantine, it’s that I reeeeeally love rosé. It’s so satisfying and really tastes fabulous with just about everything. But even more so, it’s nostalgic. No matter what time of year it is, it instantly transports you to the feeling of summer - is there anything better than that? And one of my favorite times of the year is the start of rosé season to ring in all those feels. Even though we are all quarantined at home, that doesn’t mean we can’t kick back and enjoy rosé as we normally would this time of year. In fact, now is the perfect time to experiment with lots of different wines from around the world and pair them with your meal (mine just happens to be brunch)!
Check out this selection of sparkling and still rosé wines from all over the world to pair with your go-to home-cooked meals, sip solo, or enjoy with friends via FaceTime while you practice social distancing.
Wines from California
Napa, California - Chandon Rosé Classic NV- (SRP/750ml bottle: $26.00)
The Signature Sparkling Rosé is made in the traditional method. Dry and elegant, the blend is comprised primarily of Chardonnay with a kiss of Pinot Noir to give it a gorgeously pink hue. This wine offers ripe strawberry, juicy watermelon, and raspberry notes with a creamy texture and long, fresh finish. Wonderfully versatile, it pairs exceptionally well with seafood, especially grilled salmon and shellfish in paella or gumbo.
Northern California – Smoke Tree 2019 Rosé (SRP: $16.99)
Featuring a blend of classic California varieties, Smoke Tree’s fresh and vibrant Rosé offers aromas of rose petals, citrus, and passion fruit. The palate continues with flavors of strawberry and citrus woven together with elegant acidity and minerality, for a crisp, refreshing finish. The 2019 vintage is sourced from around 15-25 year-old Grenache vines from Redwood Valley in Mendocino as well as plots in Lake County. Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel from Mendocino County are also included. Smaller percentages of Grenache, Malbec, and Pinot Noir from Clarksburg complete the blend. The blend breakdown: 40% Grenache, 15% Merlot, 15% Zinfandel, 10% Malbec, 10% Syrah, 10% Pinot Noir. Pairs great with melon and prosciutto skewers and smoked salmon eggs benedict.
Wines from Italy
Emilia Romagna, Italy – Venturini Baldini Cadelvento Lambrusco Spumante DOP (SRP: $21.99)venturinibaldini.it
This organic brut rosato contains long lasting aromas of rosehip and a ripe peach grove and is produced in the Charmat method. The dry and light bodied structure mirrors the aromas with a bright, bubbly finish. Perfect to pair with seafood, such as fresh mussels, lobster or fish stew.
Trentino, Italy - Mezza di Mezzacorona Rosé (SRP: $12.99): This wine is made in the northern Italian region of Trentino, and the grapes are grown in estate-owned vineyards at the foothills of the Italian Alps. Mezza di Mezzacorona Rosé is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero in the Charmat-method. Bright pink in color, this wine is fresh and juicy, with notes of candied strawberry, watermelon and pomegranate. The mousse is creamy and the fruit is concentrated on the palate, leading into a lively, enjoyable finish. Beautiful in a rosé spritz paired with strawberry clafoutis or an egg, bacon and tomato chutney panini.
Wine from Australia
Margaret River, Australia – Cape Mentelle Rosé 2019 (SRP: $17.99)
A Margaret River pioneer since 1970, Cape Mentelle created many of its renowned wine styles and is considered a benchmark for quality today. This Rosé is an Aussie interpretation of the freshness and vibrancy found in traditional dry rosé styles, showcasing delicate color and fresh aromas framed by generous fruit and a refreshing acidity. This dynamic wine features a blend of 65% Shiraz, 15% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 4% Sangiovese, 4% Zinfandel, 3% Mourvèdre and 2% Viognier. Pair with asparagus and cheese tart or spinach and goat cheese frittata.
Wine from France
Champagne, France – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV (SRP: $48)
France’s top-selling champagne, Nicolas Feuillatte dazzles the senses with its Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV. Perfect for pairing with light courses, strawberry desserts or enjoying on its own, Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV features refined red fruit aromas, delicate mousse and creamy texture—all leading into a pure raspberry finish. This rosé is a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Meunier and 10% Chardonnay.
