I have been enjoying the return of warm weather signs:  longer days, flowering fruit trees, blooming bulbs, and impressive rosé wine displays in liquor stores!  For me, the rosé displays are a highlight of Spring. 

But despite the welcome increase of Rose in consumer popularity, I am surprised at how many people still shun rosé, permanently scarred by magnums of White Zinfandel drank in years gone by. 

Most Roses that you see displayed so prettily in pink are dry, pair wonderfully with food, and are openly enjoyed by confident men world-wide. 

At a recent Sunday dinner at Little Nonna’s, we enjoyed their last bottle of Mabilia Cirò DOC Rosé di Ippolito from Calabria with burrata, olives, octopus, and mushroom arancini.  It paired well with all of the above.  Light pink in color, the aroma was rose and citrus, with flavors of grapefruit and savory notes on the palate.  This Rosé is 100% Gaglioppo, and named for Mabilia, a Norman princess of the eleventh century, in tribute to her elegance.  Find it for $15 at Super BuyRite in West Deptford.

A bottle of rosé I enjoyed often last summer is back:  Domaine Houchart – Cotes De Provence Rose.  Domaine Houchart is owned by the Quiot family of the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  While this Rosé is darker than the Rosés produced in nearby Provence, many Rosés from the Southern Rhone generally are darker than the salmon pink Provence prefers.  With an aroma and palate of ripe berries, this wine pairs well with just about any food.  Wine Enthusiast gave it 91 Points.  $12 at Wineworks.

Keep your eyes peeled for the 2018 release of the Txakoli rosés, the slightly fizzy wines made from Hondarrabi Zuri (white grapes) and Hondarrabi Beltza (red grapes) in the Basque region. I’ve written about Txakoli before, as it’s a wonderful summer quencher that pairs beautifully with seafood.  Both the rosé from Ameztoi and the rosé from Txomin Etxaniz are readily available in larger wine stores for about $20.

Finally, it would not be a rosé column written by me without mention of my beloved Liquid Geography, the rosé made from 100% Mencia grapes.  The dominant flavors are strawberries and white pepper, with a mineral finish.  It goes with everything from seafood to pizza.  Last year, it ran about $10 a bottle.

Remember to stock up, for when these rosés are out of stock, they are out of stock until next year’s release.

À votre santé!