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 

Organic Rose of the Week-IGT Fattoria Sardi Rose 2017 by Philip S. Kampe

                             Organic Rose of the Week-Fattoria Sardi Rose 2017

We all love Tuscany. And many, like me, love the grape varietal that has helped put Tuscany on the map. Bet that you can guess the grape?

Sangiovese, of course.

Known as the pizza grape to many-think Chianti-this grape has been the cornerstone of wine production throughout the region.

What struck me in such a positive way was that the two-hundred year old winery, Fattoria Sardi, located between the sea and the mountains has been recognized as having a perfect climate for the grapes that they grow. You should recognize the winery, Fattoria Sardi. They produce the iconic brand,‘Santa Margherita’.

Santa Margherita took the world by storm and is onsidered by many, as a marketing miracle.

Well, be prepared to yearn for another wine in their portfolio. It’s an ‘organic’ rose made with organic grapes, specifically, Sangiovese, Cillegiolo and Merlot.

Fattoria Sardi Toscana Rosato 2017 is an organic wine that is made following organic farming and biodynamic agriculture. Winemakers, Matteo and wife, Mina Giustinini produce this crisp, salmon colored, clean wine full of minerality and acidity. It’s a very mineral driven wine with a nice balance of fruit and terroir.

The 2017 is a very bright wine with obvious aromas of summer raspberries, honey dew melon and morning red roses.

Overall, at under $20, this rose can be used as an aperitif, as well as for a light lunch or dinner.

This is my ‘Rose of the Week.’

Philip S. Kampe

Philip.kampe@thewinehub.com