Virginia Wine: Dry Rosé in the Old VA
With the possible exception of Riesling, no wine is more misunderstood by the average American imbiber than rosé.
With the possible exception of Riesling, no wine is more misunderstood by the average American imbiber than rosé. Traditional dry rosés, like those popularized by French producers, are fruity yet dry, delivering some of the complexity and aromatics of a red, with the refreshing drinkability of a crisp white. A good dry rosé, is your first line of defense against the summer swealter. I mean, who really wants to drink a heavy, high-alcohol, room-temperature red wine in the dead of August. 
Fortunately, Virginia winemakers are producing some excellent dry rosés nowadays. As with a lot of Virginia wine, these tend to have more in common with their French forefathers than with their cousins on the West Coast. And, whaddaya know, today (May 29th) just happens to be Virginia rosé day! All around the Commonwealth, wine lovers will be drinking rosé, talking rosé, tweeting rosé (#VArosé) and, as a result, probably doing really crappy work at their day jobs.
Your participation is important. Just think of all the pitiful creatures who still remain ignorant of rosé’s charms. Perhaps they’re haunted by the specter of White Zinfandel and all the sweet, sticky “blush” wines that flooded the market in the late 20th century. Perhaps they’re paralyzed by an irrational fear of what drinking pink could do to tarnish their tough guy image.
Whatever their malfunction, these poor souls are a dying breed. Rosé consumption has grown exponentially over the last few years and is only expected to increase. Could Virginia emerge as a top New World producer of dry, Old World-style rosé? Well, it’s probably too soon to say. But there are certainly some VA vineyards making a really convincing case for it.
Matt’s Favorite VA Rosés
Boxwood, Flying Fox, Linden, King Family, Blenheim, Glen Manor…
What am I missing? Share your favorite VA Rosés in the comments below.
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Matt Brehony
When he’s not musing on food for his blog, or working as a server/Minister of Propaganda for Secco Wine Bar, or writing editorial pieces for various media outlets, or starring in sketches and commercials, Matt Brehony doesn’t do much of anything.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Wineworks/Michael Shaps – tasty VA Rose in a box!
Stinson Rose – 100% Mourvedre. Beautiful and delicious on a hot summer evening. Or any evening.
Tarara 2011 Rose – nothing like sipping this crisp, fresh, smooth rose sitting on the tasting deck at Tarara with the breeze from the Potomac brushing your damp skin. Or, my favourite time is to sip is while preparing a fresh pesto pasta scattered with heirloom tomatoes for a scrumptious dinner partnered with my fave Rose from Tarara.
Excellent choices! Kudos for Glen Manor, one of my newest favorites! Barbara, Stinson Mourvedre is indeed delicious! I’d like to suggest, if I may, that you try our Rose at DuCard- fresh, crisp, fruitful yet dry, and add it to your list as another outstanding example of Virginia’s greatest wines!