I find the topic of rose to be quite controversial. People seem to either love it or hate it. It makes me laugh how the season dictates which wines people are drinking. Like clock work, as soon as the smell of spring is in the air, and the guarantee that summer will soon follow, people start drinking rose! I personally think rose is great, it’s refreshing, delicious, and the people are right, it’s great to quaff in the summer time.
One of my favourites, is the Rose of Virginia Charles Melton Rose from the Barossa Valley in Australia. It is hands down my preferred New World rose, and maybe has made a bigger impression on me than any other rose out there. Rose of Virginia divides rose drinkers themselves, some people just can’t handle the great big, beautiful, and fruity rose that it is. This is a rose with balls, and is on the fence between a rose and a light red. It seems to scream “I am a rose hear me roar!”. This is why I like it, and it also gives it enough power to be enjoyed with food.
Eversince I have lived in Europe I have discovered the world of the beetroot. Growing up in Canada, I only remember being offered tiny pickled beets at my Grandma’s house, which I always refused. Now, I know better. In the UK, beets are big and make an appearance on almost every menu. I must admit I have become a bit of a beetroot addict, and to find a wine that complements them so beautifully was life changing!
One fine sunday afternoon R and I made a nice little goats cheese, beetroot, and rocket salad. We cracked open a bottle of Rose of Virginia, and to our amazement it was spot on! This my friends is a perfect match, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
1 Comment
June 23, 2008 at 3:02 pm
i love beets and hate rose.
but perhaps it’s because i never tasted the right kind. i do enjoy my reds.
i also laughed when you mentioned the changing of the seasons = changing of the drinks. I really enjoy drinking whites and my dirty martini consumption has really gone down. Maybe it’s the heat that makes me want something more refreshing?
nevertheless, you’ve inspired me to try that rose. Hopefully I can find it here
z