Wine Review: Mother’s Day calls for rose wines

You know that spring has finally arrived by the warmer weather, the incessant rain, the blooming of flowers and the appearance of rose wines on dealers’ shelves in anticipation of outdoor activities and, of course, Mother’s Day.

Because of its attractive pink color, rose wines are almost mandatory for Mother’s Day festivities. Rose wines are made from red grapes that have been pressed and the skins – the color-producing element for a red wine – are quickly removed before they can add color to the wine. What remains is the grape pulp that is then fermented into the delightful pink wine we call rose.

Yellow Tail Rose ($7)
This wine is definitely a tribute to Australian winemakers who overcame some dreadful weather conditions. They made a wine that I believe will both satisfy and impress Mom and anyone else who tries it. The aroma is neither hidden nor suppressed but is right there to please the senses. The flavor mirrors the aroma, featuring white peach, cherries, strawberries and melon. This continues on to the finish, which is so intense that it will linger in the memory and surely impress Mom on her day.

Beronia 2021 Rose ($13)
Here is a Spanish contribution to our rose roundup. It’s made from a 50/50 blend of the very popular and very Spanish tempranillo and garnacha grapes. While the wine exhibits a light pink color, it is none the less a rose and a fine one at. Presenting an aroma of cherry and rose petal, the flavor and finish offer a host of summer berries with a suggestion of fresh -cut flowers. This wine can accompany almost any summer fare that is not strongly flavored or off the grill.

Fleur de Mer Rose Cote de Provence ($17)
Here again we have a style that has been around for centuries. A Roman senator or oligarch who did not own a vineyard in Cote de Provence, Gaul (France), was considered out of style and behind the times. Even way back then, the predominant style of the wine was rose. This wine displays an inviting salmon pink color and a wispy aroma of peaches, pears and red summer fruits. The flavor stresses summer berries in light and refined amounts. There also is a bit of tannin in the wine, which assures that it can be cellared for as long as five years, a rarity for a rose wine. This wine, as with any rose wine, should be served slightly chilled. This wine will go well with spicy foods as well as Asian and Pacific Rim specialties and is an absolute standout when served with bouillabaisse.

Chateau Bonnet 2020 Rose ($18)
Here is a rose of a different color. The wine is a 50/50 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon grapes, from, of all places, Bordeaux, France, primarily known for its red wines. I see no reason why a rose wine made from those grapes should be considered any less a wine because it is not red and expensive. The expected vibrant pink color for a rose also is not there. The color is just slightly pink, but please, don’t judge a book by its cover; this wine is a rose in every sense of the word. The Chateau Bonnet (pronounced Bone- ay) offers the flavors and aromas of cherries, as well as the suggestion of herbs followed by a long finish that features red summer fruits and a hint of flowers. I consider this a nice and enjoyable wine, as well as being something different.

Josh Cellars 2020 Rose ($15)
The Josh Cellars Rose is bright with aromas of fresh strawberries, white flowers and stone fruits. On the palate, the wine is light bodied, dry and bursts with citrus, white peach and strawberries. It’s completed by a crisp, mouthwatering finish. This American rose wine is a fine example of the style.

Wine columnist Bennet Bodenstein can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.