While the heavyweights of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone and Piedmont often grab the headlines, another relative has hidden in obscurity…. until recently.  I’m referring to the Rose.  Now finally, this delicious and easy drinking summertime wine is receiving the recognition that it so richly deserves due to an improvement in quality, food friendliness and affordability; its popularity is reflected in a 50% domestic export increase in 2006 over the year prior.  Restaurants and wine retailers, which used to barely acknowledge rose wine, now dedicate space on their menus and shelves respectively.  What’s more, the early presence and late departure of Arizona summer heat lends itself to this refreshing treat.

Rose is a natural during the summer season whether it be with food or stand alone.  Its refreshing aromas of cherry, strawberry and watermelon, relatively low alcohol content (12.5-14%) and just the slightest hint of tannin in some wines, balance the easy drinking wine with perfection. 

The warmer southern region of France is renown for its Rose, Provence and the small region of Tavel in Southern Rhone producing the more notable wines.  The Provence region, situated by the Mediterranean, with its warm summer weather and minerally and acidic soils are a perfect recipe for these light wines.  Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre and Cinsault are grapes often used in the production of Rose, but nearly any grape variety can play a part.  You will find Roses from Spain to Australia and California, indigenous grapes playing a key role.  The Loire valley of France also produces a large quantity of Rose but be aware that the level of quality can be very variable from this region.