Four delightful summer Rosés for the Dog Days of Summer
by: Linda Kissam
The hot, sultry period of summer between early July and early September, often called the Dog Days of Summer are upon us. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun and a stretch of hot and sultry weather appears. Ancients named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, “dog days” after the dog star. It’s known today as the Dog Days of Summer, but whatever you might call it, it signals a time for flip flops, floppy hats, sunscreen and savoring wines that are light and refreshing.
It’s also time to look into why wine aficionados are sipping through rosé-colored glasses. Why has this pink hued wine continued to gain in popularity? Well, for starters, Rosé is the perfect summer party wine. It’s food friendly and generally gets along with everyone at the table.
It’s a Favorite Because
Rosé appeals to drinkers of red and white wine because it showcases the best characteristics of both. Its universal appeal makes it an ideal wine for gifting, or serving at parties.
Rosé pairs well with almost any food. It’s light and refreshing, and is available anywhere between dry and sweet. It can present as big as a bold Grenache and a fruity Sauvignon Blanc. Rosé is as equally suited to salmon and Brie as it is to burgers, blue cheese and olives.
Rosé doesn’t need to be aged as long as other wines – if at all. Therefore, it is less expensive, less time-consuming to produce and presents as a better value. Wine producers can get the bottles to customers faster and keep shelves stocked keeping prices affordable.
It’s made this Way
MionettoWinemakerAlessioDelSavio
Winemakers use the skins of red wine grapes to control the intensity of the wine’s color. Grapes are picked and pressed, letting the skins permeate the juice. The strained juice is then transferred to a stainless-steel tank to ferment and age. The maceration process can vary from a few hours to a day or two.
Most Rosés are made from a blend of different grape types and e in many different styles, so each bottle varies in sweetness, fruitiness, and acidity. All varieties of Rosé, however, share a familiar refreshing profile that tastes best when chilled.
What to Drink
- Mionetto Prestige Rosé Extra Dry, $15- Produced in the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces exceptional wines with worldwide praise. This Rosè is the result of soft pressing red grapes. The peachy color presents on the nose and plate with an intense fragrant, fruity nose with hints of rose, raspberry, grapefruit, and wild strawberry. Enjoy on its own as an aperitif, with light appetizers or with fresh seafood and grilled fish.
- Syltbar Concerto Sparkling Rosé. $23. Friuli, Italy: Elegant and complex. 100% Merlot. Shows well with a delicate aroma of citrus and red summer fruits. Well balanced with a light pink color. Syltbar is Vegan. Very low in carbs and sulfites, only 63 calories per 6oz glass, no added sugar. No impurities that can potentially cause headaches. Great wine to introduce to your pickiest wine lovers to on a hot summers day.
- Mt Beautiful Rosé 2016. $20. New Zealand: I am a big fan of this winery. This wine is traditionally made from Pinot Noir juice pressed off after light contact and fermented in barrel and tank. Summer floral notes, a hint of herbaceousness and penetrating red berry aromas on the nose. Dry on the palate with good acidity. Juicy watermelon and pink grapefruit notes make this medium bodied wine a winner.
A saucy summer drink
If you’re a spirits kind of person but find hot summer days call for something a bit lighter, try adding a splash of Rosé to your Bourbon. Taking beverages from two ends of the drinking spectrum – Rosé and Bourbon – Josh Cellars joined forces with Redemption for the ultimate end of summer drink, the Rebel Rosé Cocktail.
Light and refreshing yet with a little bit of edge, this cocktail is easy to make and you need less than 5 ingredients.
Rebel Rosé Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 4oz Josh Cellars Rose
- 1.5 oz Redemption Bourbon
- 1 oz Licor 43
- Grapefruit Juice
Directions:
- Pour Josh Cellars Rosé, Redemption Bourbon and Licor 43 in a cocktail shaker and shake
- Pour over ice and top with grapefruit juice
- Garnish with a grapefruit peel and enjoy
