Rose of the (Holiday) Week (end) by Philip S. Kampe

           

                                                 My favorite rose wine bottle design


One of the many things I love about Rose is its versatility.

Roses are getting a lot more complex these days, with winemakers using indigenous grapes, as well as those using classic, red grapes, like Sangiovese or Syrah, in this Casillero del Diablo (the devil's cellar) 2017 Reserva Rose.

The bottom line is what consumers look for is an easy drinking rose that pairs with the majority of foods, and a wine that could double as an apertif. The goal is to find a wine that doesn't break the bank-unless you love Tavel. the classic 'rose.'

Since the holiday weekend is approaching, in fact, its here.
Today is Friday and Labor Day is Monday.

The 'Rose Wine of the Week' that I have saved for the holiday weekend is a rose that is BBQ friendly, retails under ten dollars ($10) and in my mind is the perfect rose for the Labor Day Weekend.

Meet:
Casillero del Diablo
2017 Reserva Rose
13% alcohol
100% Shiraz grapes
Fermented in stainless steel
Winemaker Marcello Papa
Producer: Concho y Toro (Chile)

History:
Over one-hundred years ago, Concho y Toro owner, Don Melchor, spread a rumor, specifically, so, he could keep the best batches of his wines away from strangers. He wanted to keep the wines in his private reserve. He created a haunting rumor that the devil lived in his winery and named the devil, Casillero Del Diablo, 'The Devil's Cellar'.

Winemaker Marcello Papa explained that the wine is made by vinifying red Shiraz grapes, as if it were a white wine. The end result is a soft, refreshing, easy to drink wine that is closer to a red wine on your palate then a white, The aromas of cherry and raspberry are followed by classic red wine palate flavors of dark plums, spice and fresh blackberries lead to a crisp, fresh, food friendly flavor.

At under ten dollars per bottle, this versatile rose surpasses its price point in many ways. Its great with just about anything-pasta, BBQ, burgers, fresh cheeses and salads.

Rose can be made in so many styles with a multitude of grapes. This wine, as mentioned earlier is made with Shiraz, the other name for Syrah, the grape you probably know.

The holiday weekend is here.
Think rose.


Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com 

"Unleash Your Inner Devil", a Wine Adventure by Philip S. Kampe

                                           Mardi Gras 2015 in Hoboken, New Jersey

Mardi Gras takes place each year in my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. When you are a bit misplaced from your original hometown, you try to celebrate 'Fat Tuesday' in a different way. Fortunately, the Tulane Alumni Association of New Jersey through a small Mardi Gras get-together at City Bistro on 14th Street in Hoboken. In he photo above, local Chairman Michael L. Cohn represents the colors of Mardi Gras. Did you know that the colors of Mardi Gras each has a meaning. Purple is for justice, Green is for faith and Gold is for Power.

City Bistro served Abita beer and Maria,my wife, and I munched on Shrimp Po' Boys, followed by several pieces of King Cake, a New Orleans tradition.

The next Mardi Gras stop was a Champagne Tasting and Fashion Show, hosted by IPO Wines and David Bowler Selections. This stop was both business and pleasure, as it was an industry event that happened to fall on Mardi Gras. Nothing wrong with working on Mardi Gras. Besides writing about events, I am a scout for retailers, finding quality/value wine selections for wine merchants and various restaurants.

Twenty Champagnes and one Franciacorta were poured.

Franciacorta is the true Italian version of Champagne, made in the same process as Champagne. It is not Prosecco and I mean that in a good way.

My favorite Champagnes from IPO Wines and David Bowler were:
J. Lassalle Brut Reserve Preference NV ($48)
J. Lasalle Cuvee Angeline Brut 1er Cru  2007  ($69)
Paul Bara Brut Grand Cru  2004   ($67)
Playez-Jacquemart Extra Quality Brut NV  ($45)
Tarlant 'Zero' Brut Nature NV (2007 base)  ($60)
Lilbert-Fils Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV  ($73)

As you can see from the photos above, lots of Champagne was poured while the fashion show was going on. One of my wine friends who is in the wine business and his band played music during the entire event.

As the hours passed, I knew it was time to return home and entertain a couple of friends who have the Mardi Gras spirit.. Upon arriving home, I took out a couple of CD's, Dr. John and Professor Longhair. As the music warmed the house, I turned on the stove, peeled a mound of shrimp and opened a couple bottles of Chilean wine.

Since it was Mardi Gras and only hours away from Ash Wednesday, the obvious wine choices were the  newly released 2013 'Devil's Collection' of wines from Concha y Toro..

Their tag line is "Unleash Your Inner Devil".

And that, I did!

         

                                                   2013 Casillero del Diablo (red)

                                                  2013 Casillero del Diablo (white)

Dinner consisted of BBQ shrimp, Mosca's style, with lots of oregano and garlic. Jambalaya with shrimp, chicken, mussels and sausage followed.Both wines brought the best out of the food.

The Devil's Collection white wine paired with both courses. The wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and, yes, Gewurztraminer, all from Chile's Casablanca Valley. It is a very fresh, well-balanced wine with citrus aromas that focus on fruit, spcifically pineapple, honey, lime and apricot. The  flavors coat your palate just enough to balance out with the food.

The Castillo del Diablo Red is made with 60% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Carmenere. The wine is very impressive, dark fruit forward, well-balance and mature. It was a hit with the jambalaya, as the chicken and andouille sausage met its match. It is also a sophisticated wine that could be served on its own.

Both wines retail for under $15 and are true crowd pleasers. I bought a mixed case in no alcohol tax Massachusetts and paid 20% less for the case price.  Each bottle cost less than $12.

If you really want to enjoy Mardi  Gras, New Orleans style, why not visit the 'Big Easy' and take a case of the 'Devil's Collection' with you.

These are future dates for Mardi Gras. You should have enough time to prepare.
2016  February 9th
2017  February 28th
2018  February 13th
2019  March 5th

Like me, if you can't make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, make the best of the day, wherever you are.

Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com