Tim Pawsey's article Rosé on the rise, now OK to 'drink pink' (Vancouver Courier, July 29) makes it sound like this is new phenomenon in Canada, at least in British Columbia.
He introduces us to a number of Rosés from B.C…
What interested me most was the mention of 8th Generation Rosé 2010 made with Pinot Meunier, one of the 3 grape varieties found in Champagne.
Pinot Meunier Rosé is not that common. I don't remember tasting any so far.
I did a quick search and found reviews for 2005 and 2007 vintages by another Canadian producer, Thirty Bench (from Ontario). A small production of around 160 cases, this Pinot Meunier Rosé was noted as only available at the winery.
Last one that popped up on my radar was Murdoch James Rhiannon Pinot Meunier Rose 2010 from Martinborough, New Zealand (also noted as sold out)…This Murdoch James does not seem to have anything to do with the Murdoch in the news recently.
They describe it as:
"Spring flowers, fresh strawberries and apricots with hazelnut truffles and spice. Best served on a hot summer's day, a cool breeze and a gently bubbling river."
The 8th Generation Rosé 2010 is sold out at the winery.
I will be happy to hear from you about other Pinot Meunier Rosé choices and hopefully manage to taste 1 or 2 before the end of the summer.
(* image is label of 8th Generation Pinot Meunier Rosé)