If summer is a marathon, my Rosé wine tasting has been lacking pace or regularity.
My 'must-should try' list is getting longer by the week.
Today I add three of them.
We start with Mas Cal Demoura 'Qu'es Aquo' 2009, a Languedoc blend of Cinsault & Grenache (mostly) plus some Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan. The wine got its name following the reaction of the first few people who tasted the first vintage and expressed surprise at its deep color and rich aromas. Qu'es Aquo could be translated to What's this.
Suggested food pairing include Tuna Tartar with Ginger and Mediterranean Fare.
I originally checked Mas Cal Demoura as it was cited as an example of the race to quality in Languedoc wines by B.Guibert of Mas de Daumas Gassac.
Next is Perles de Rosé (Vin de pays des Coteaux du Libron) by Domaine de Bachellery, a pale Rosé, lighter, made of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Muscat in fluctuating percentages depending on the vintage and the winemaker's inspiration. Muscat should bring a hint of sweetness on the finish.
Good company for melon and prosciutto or grilled meats, they say… Cotes du Libron area is located north of Beziers.
Last a Rosé from Nice picked as wine of the week in Buzz Vins, a French wine site with a flair for discoveries by Bettane and Desseauve.
The Chateau de Bellet vineyards are located in the hills within the Nice city limits and this Rosé wine is mostly made with Braquet (also the name of an old local family) rounded with Grenache and Cinsault. Fleur d' oranger and fine spices dominate. Tastes like summer, calls for a pissaladiere according to Buzz Vins.
On the lookout for New Wines from the South of France, Rosemary George tasting notes from The annual wine salon in Aniane (Taste Languedoc, July 25), will surely help.
P.S: I could not find a good photo of the Chateau Bellet label otherwise I would have used it.