Pink Wines to Take Seriously

 

You've heard us rave about rosé to no end - it's the perfect spring/summer wine, with a bit more structure than a white but more refreshment than any red could hope to offer.

 

You've also heard us rave about Austrian wines. The quality level there just seems insanely consistent, and the wines combine real character with elegance and ease of consumption.

 

So imagine our excitement on Wednesday when some Austrian rosés were unloaded at our back door!

 

2007 Loimer Rosé of Zweigelt (Kamptal; $15)

The minute we screwed the cap off this one, juicy aromas filled the air. It's a pungent one, and the palate just amps it up: super citrus-y and snappy, with hints of tart berries (raspberry & cranberry) amidst the pink lemonade and grapefruit. If other rosés politely climb into the pool, this one does a cannonball.

 

2007 Kracher "Illmitz" Rosé of Zweigelt (Burgenland; $16)

If the Loimer rosé is like a cannonball, this one's a swan dive. Well-composed and elegant, there's more of a lean toward orchard-y fruits (white peaches and crisp red apple), with a slight hint at oranges on the finish. Floral elements are present in droves, complementing the slightly rounded body (this wine sees a bit of malolactic fermentation). The acidity keeps it light and cleansing. Amazing that the same grape (zweigelt, a native to Austria) can produce two rosés that are so different: compare and contrast for yourself!

 

2007 Wieninger Rosé of Pinot Noir (Vienna; $17)

Light pink in color with extremely delicate Pinot character. Mostly fresh berry and currant on the nose and palate chased by a subtle texture from lees contact on the fresh clean finish. Elegant.

 

And let's not forget the South of France, one of rosé's favorite places; we just received several new wines from Rosenthal Wine Merchant Imports.

 

2007 Commanderie de Peyrassol (Cotes de Provence, France; $19)

 

2007 Paul Jeune Chateau Valcombe (Cotes du Ventoux, France; $18)

 

But the pink excitement doesn't end there: we also have an allocation of the extremely popular and limited Bitch Grenache ($13) arriving for the weekend. While its charming pink label seems innocent enough, it's a big, powerful spicy red made by the Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, whose wines are often described as being "hedonistic" and filled with "gobs" of fruit. Get it while we've got it!

 

 

Air-Conditioner In A Bottle

 

Twin Vines Vinho Verde (Portugal, $10) 

 

Summer's finally here, and if there's one thing that can stand up to the dreaded Tennessee humidity, it's Vinho Verde. It's made with three native Portuguese grapes (alvarinho, aka albarino, is the most famous) and a bit of residual C02, which gives Vinho Verde its trademark hint of fizz. Dry and tangy, the green and yellow on the label aptly represent the types of fruits flavors you'll find: lemon, lime and green apple. Combine the fizz and the citrusy liveliness of fruit with a lower-than-usual alcohol

content (10%), this is something you can drink all day or night.

 

Southern Thrift: $8 Wines We Love

 

While about 75% of our wines are at or under $20, we've been assembling quite a collection of wines that land well below $10! And it's not industrial, boring taste-alike stuff either. Indulge your budget and your taste buds, guilt-free.

 

Yard Dog Red & White: SALE $8 (usually $10)

 

These Australian blends are value wines that don't taste that way. Their motto? "Grapes n Wine and ROCK & ROLL!" The winery's in what used to be a bar. Very appropriate party wine, or for rockers yet to make it big. 

 

The red is comprised of Petit Verdot (a grape that rarely makes up more than a small percentage of blends: it's a powerful one!), Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Super smooth and easy to drink, but by no means wussy. There's fruit, there's tannin, but they are in balance.

 

The white is a veritable kitchen sink of a blend (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Semillon and Viognier). Nevertheless, it achieves a personality that is focused and fresh. With Chardonnay leading in percentage presence, the wine has a slight heft to it, as well as a supple mouthfeel. The remaining grapes take care of floral and acidity aspects, again providing a very balanced wine. We know you can't resist a label sporting a cute pup with one of those funny visor things around its neck!

 

 

2006 Protocolo Red (Spain; $8)

 

How do they do it? Spain is THE place to find cheap wines that still are resonant of place (and that place not being a factory). The Protocolo wines have become almost an institution for the value-seeker. The new vintage just arrived, and we like it even more than last year's. This is a smooth wine with a medium body, juicy notes of cherry and dusty earth. The balance is right-on, and it's one of those that you drink faster than you think you're drinking it, and before you know it, it's time for bottle number 2 . . . good thing it's so cheap!

 

 

Other Excellent Under-$10 Wines You Know & Love:

 

Vina Borgia Grenache (Spain; $7)

 

Grao Vasco Red (Portugal; $8)

 

Ken Forrester Petite Chenin (South Africa; $9)

 

 

Just Finalized: Beer Tasting at Marche!!

 

Our first beer tasting at Marche a few months back was a huge hit, with an attendance through the roof. Sign up early! More details soon.

 

Beer Tasting at Marche

Thursday, June 26

 

Call Marche for reservations: (625) 262-1111

 

 

Still a few spots open for our next wine dinner at City House on Monday (June 2), featuring the cuisine and wine of Liguria: snatch them up by calling City House at (615)736-5838.