September Rosé Treasures

Best-sellers and “most popular” are touted and praised with regularity. Featured here ten of the smaller production, under the radar pinks that you may still enjoy long into these warm September nights.

2015 Domaine de la Réaltière Pastel Rosé Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence ($15.99)

A Provençal Rosé made from 45% Cinsault, 45% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh minerality and notes of citrus fruits and red fruits which are delicious in the mouth with a satisfying finish.” We banish herbicide, pesticide and synthetic chemical fertilizers. The harsh climate of this region induces a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. Stainless steel tanks.” –Winery notes.

2015 Lobo Hills Cabernet Franc Rosé Yakima Valley ($14.99)

“The Cabernet Franc Rosé is a rich and complex rose, aged on the lees. It opens with aromas of cherries, pepper, strawberries and anise. The palate blends food-friendly acid with gentle notes of cranberries, rose and cherries. As with our Sauvignon Blanc, this wine was aged on the lees for months, stirred twice monthly, prior to bottling. 396 cases available.” –Winemaker notes.

2015 Commanderie de la Bargemone Rosé Provence ($13.99)

“For many wine drinkers, Provence is the only rosé address that matters, and the Commanderie is one of the region’s most notable domains. Founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century, it’s one of the oldest, too. The estate’s pale salmon-pink wine, a traditional blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet and Cinsault, is bone-dry and delicate.” -The Wall Street Journal.

2015 Domaine la Blaque Coteaux de Pierrevert Rosé Provence ($11.99)

High-pitched, mineral-tinged strawberry, tangerine and floral scents show very good clarity and a spicy touch of white pepper. Dry, nervy and precise, displaying real tension to the bitter berry skin and orange zest flavors. Utterly fat-free, finishing stony and tight, with a suave echo of honeysuckle lingering. 35% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 20% Vermentino and 10% Syrah.

2015 Domaine de Montfaucon Les Gardettes Rosé Languedoc ($11.19)

Dry, crisp and vibrant with a hint of peach, raspberry and violet. Full-flavor and full of panache! One of the most anticipated Rhône offerings! A blend of Cinsault, Counoise and Grenache. One of the best sellers from the Lakewood-Seward Park wine tasting, amongst 70 wines.

2015 Domaine Sorin Terra Amata Rosé Côtes de Provence ($11.19)

“Brilliant pink robe with aromas of white peaches and citrus fruit on the nose, hints of minerals and spice. Attacking freshness with hints of raspberry and red current on the palate. The blend is 40% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Carignan, 5% Rolle and 5% Orgi.” -Winery notes.

2015 Ozilhan Réservé Rosé Côtes du Rhône ($10.29)

“Bright pale pink. Intense floral fragrances blending with small red fruit. On the palate tart raspberries and currants with excellent minerality and acidity. A blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Cinsault.” -Winemaker notes.

2015 Vini Veni Vidi Vici Rosé Thracian Valley Bulgaria ($7.99)

This Rosé has ripe fruit character. The palate, typical for rosé has full frontal fruit with good length and complexity. The vineyards are located in the Sliven region on rich black earth and woodland soils. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Syrah.

2015 Mont Gravet Rosé Languedoc ($7.99)

An attractive pale-salmon color, this 100% Cinsault rosé opens with soft scents of strawberry, pear, melon rind and earthy spice. The palate is lush, with fleshy fruit flavors that are balanced by ample acidity and a soft tannic astringency on the close.

2015 Alloy Wine Works Grenache Rosé “Tin City” Central Coast California ($7.49)

Don’t judge a wine by its bottle...er, can. The 2015 Alloy Grenache Rosé boasts flavors of strawberry, grapefruit, mint, Sour Patch Kids and rose petal. This robust wine has a peppery kick and a heavier body, making it great for picnics, as well as evening drinking. At $7.49 for 500 ml (about 2/3 of a regular wine bottle), it’s quite the bargain for a Rosé that’s pretty, pink--and portable.

CHEERS! ENJOY!

Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.