ROSÉ WINES - some words from Wine Director Kelly Coggins

’07 Lagrein Rosé Alois Lageder Alto Adige, Italy 

Alois Lagerder was not the first rose I ever had, but, year after year, it is one of the best.  The wine is made from 100% organically grown Lagrein grapes.

’07 Refosco Rosato Bastianich Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 

Italian chef Lidia Bastianich and her sommelier/restaurateur son, Joe, own an estate in Friuli that makes this delicious wine.  It is always a hit with our CJ Sunday menus.

’07 Rosé Bedell Cellars Domaine Corey Creek North Fork of Long Island, New York 

Rosé and strawberries - the quintessence of summer. So it was inevitable that when Pastry chef Susan Abbott and I got drinking and eating one night, by the end of it all a new summer dessert was born - Strawberry and Bedell Cellars Rosé Gelee with Lime Custard.

’06 Pinot Noir Blanc Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix Yorkville Highlands, California 

I love being able to help a cause by drinking, especially when the wine is as good as this.  For every bottle of “Oeil de Perdrix” sold, the winery donates a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer research.  So drink pink and maybe even help save a life.

’06 Tavel Prieuré de Montézargues Rhône, France 

This wine is the overwhelming staff favorite, and maybe the most red wine like of the lot.  It comes from the region of Tavel where they focus exclusively on small scale rosé production.

NV Saumur Brut Sparkling Wine Louis de Grenelle Rosé Corail

Loire, France 

Too many people wait for a special occasion to have a wine that bubbles. But why wait?  Sparkling pink is maybe the best thing ever invented. Try a glass of this at the Rialto bar with a side of potato porcini fritters and watch your worries disappear.

’07 Pinot Meunier Rosé Fanz Karl Schmitt Niersteiner Findling

Rheinhessen, Germany

It is unusual to find a wine made exclusively from Pinot Meunier grapes. They lend a smokey flavor to the wine that pairs perfectly with our classic grilled littlenecks with andouille.

’97 Rioja Rosé Lopes de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja, Spain 

With over a decade of age under its belt (or rather label), this is not a wine for the faint of heart. Try it while snacking on our cheese plate as an appetizer, rather than dessert, and notice how hints of sherry, salt, and herbs emerge.