As we are only a couple days away from celebrating France’s national holiday Bastille Day (July 14^th), we decided to celebrate a little bit early by choosing a French rosé as our wine of the week.  Andy and I have been drinking a ton of great rosés this summer – especially with the recent heat wave!  There is nothing more refreshing on a sweltering day than a nice chilled rosé and summer salad.  And, rosés are great value wines to be enjoyed while they are young.  This week, we chose Jaboulet Côtes du Rhône “Parallèle 45 Rosé” as our wine of the week.  It is a crisp, fun, easy drinking rosé – a truly great summer wine – and an amazing value at $12 a bottle (or even less at some online shops). 

Wined & Dined’s Quick Tasting Notes

Wine: Jaboulet Côtes du Rhône “Parallèle Rosé”

Vintage: 2009

Varietal(s): 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Syrah

Region: Rhône (France)

Price: $12 (or less at some online shops)

Color/Appearance: Deep Pink

Nose/Aroma: Floral, Rose Petals, Fresh Cut Flowers, Red Apple   

Mouth/Flavors: Red summer berries and tart strawberry.  There is a very light sweetness up front that is balanced nicely with the wine’s acidity and mineral tones.  The tannins are ripe and present but not at all overwhelming.  Smooth, uncomplicated, easygoing, crisp and enjoyable.   

Where to Find: You can find it on sale at Gotham Wines & Liquors (2517 Broadway) here for 8.99.

Conclusion:  This rosé is a very easy drinking, bright, crisp summer wine that will please any palate.  It gets its name from the location of the vineyards (on the 45^th latitude).  The vines are 25 years old and the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks. 

Pop open a bottle at your next barbeque and it will be gone before you know it.  We paired it with a summer spinach salad (gorgonzola, dried cranberries, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and balsamic vinaigrette,) and grilled tikka marinated chicken.  It would also work nicely with a feta, basil, and watermelon salad (or any summer salad for that matter), grilled fish or chicken, or a nice picnic lunch.  Cheers!

Trackback URI | Comments RSS