10 Rosés To Help You Cope With The February Blues
Forget about whether the groundhog saw his shadow or not. Ever since Don McLean sang his laments about this this mid-winter month in his anthem, "American Pie," we've known that February always casts a dark shadow and has almost nothing to recommend it except the brief splash of merriment that is Valentine's Day.
To lighten things up, this is the time of year when we move from drinking hearty reds to sipping snappy rosés that cut through overcast days and dreary nights. And this year we are adding another hue to our line of off-color pinks — the crystal clearness of ruby-colored wines.
Bordeaux has an excellent light wine that is clearer than a red but has more weight and color than a pink rosé. It's called "clairet" (pronounced CLAIR-ay), and it is usually a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Clairets, just now gaining attention in the American market, are also served chilled and are excellent food wines — from salads with meat to hamburgers and barbecue.
Add to that lineup some sparkling rosés from around the globe, and we have a cadre of wines that will help you make it to March.
Château Armurey Bordeaux Clairet 2015 ($10)
Very good cherry flavors with a refreshing touch of herbal greenery to set the gastric juices flowing.
François Montand France Rosé Brut NV ($12)
Creamy and candied flavors with hints of white chocolate.
Château Penin Bordeaux Clairet 2014 ($14)
Mainly merlot, the wine has flavors of fresh cherries, good structure, and just a slight pucker of tannins.
Château de Parenchère Bordeaux Clairet 2015 ($16)
Also mainly merlot, it is fruity and tart — very refreshing with light tannins.
Château Timberlay Bordeaux Clairet 2015 ($16)
Nice, rich tanginess to go with the bright cherry flavors and just a tad of tannins.
M. Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Victoria “Mathilda” Rosé 2015 ($16)
From "Down Under," it has refreshing fragrances of geranium leaves and tree nuts along with flavors of tart citrus and dry spices — light and refreshing.
Juvé y Camps Cava Pinot Noir Rosé NV ($16)
Zardetto “Z” Conigliaro Rosé Extra Brut NV ($17)
Light bubbles, but with good acidity and dark raspberry flavors. It comes from Proseccoland.
Prieuré de Montézargues Tavel 2014 ($22)
Tavel is a Rhône appellation that makes only rosé and has for ages. This one is soft and cushiony, with tastes of peach flesh and skin with a good crispness in the finish.
Szigeti Burgenland Pinot Noir Rosé Sekt 2011 ($27)
An Austrian sparkler that is light, fresh, and creamy with apricot flavors and a ton of tiny bubbles.