Château Mukhrani, Tavkveri Rosé 2010, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Dry medium bodied rosé wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Tavkveri grape variety is endemic to Kartli and is only growing in this region of Georgia.

Technical Data: 100% Tavkveri variety. Tavkveri grape is a red variety which can be used to produce both red and rosé wines. Hand harvested. No skin maceration. Aged a minimum of 4 months and up to 7 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12.5% vol. No oak.

Description: Bright light coral color. Its nose exhales of cherry and fresh strawberry aromas. On the palate, medium bodied crisp wine with a good structure and balance thru and thru. First flavors coming to the mind are a repeat of its nose then it evolves, and raspberry flavors opens up, as well as a distinctive and quite enjoyable black pepper taste. Great last impression with a rose petal long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Best paired with pork chops, Asian cuisine or zesty salads. Could also be consumed by itself. Serve fresh (around 8 C).

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Spiropoulos Meliasto Rose'08, Tripoli, Greece

Dry Rose wine from Peloponessos in Greece. Both very fruity and floral although it is a dry wine. A very good surprise! I will sip it again during this summer without a doubt!

Technical Data: 100% Moschofilero grape, indigenous to Greece. Stainless Steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the wine.

Description: Bright and light pink color. Distinctive aromas of rose petals, raspberries and strawberries. Soft entrance for this medium bodied dry rose wine. Raspberry flavors backed up by rose petal. Good lengthy finish. Quite refreshing.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine, can be of course drunk by itself. Food suggestions would be as follow, white meats (turkey is delicious with it), mild cheeses, pastas with tomato based sauce, fresh cut apples and pears. Serve slightly chilled.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Up to 2-3 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99

Mulderbosch Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon'09, South Africa

A juicy and lush yet Dry Rosé Wine from the Stellenbosh Region in South Africa.

Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were harvested and crushed. To achieve the desired color on the free run juice, the grapes were cold-macerated. After settling in tank, the juice was racked and inoculated with yeast cultures for fermentation. After fermentation, the wine underwent lees contact, a light fining and filtration before bottling. No Wood ageing to preserve freshness of the wine.

Description: Bright and lively raspberry pink color. Strawberry, rose petal and raspberry aromas are laced together to offer a complex, lush, fruit forward yet Dry Rosé. On the palate, this is a sophisticated and "sexy" Rosé combining strawberries, raspberries and ripe cherries flavors as well as some spices inherited from the Cabernet Sauvignon own character.

Food Pairing & Service: A very versatile dry Rosé wine, easy going on the palate. Serve well chilled. It will stands very well against “modern style” cuisine, fusion cuisine, light Italian cuisine as well as some spicy Asian dishes. The ideal summer salad wine. Enjoy it with sushi and other Japanese delights as well. Great to have at a picnic or at the beach. An excellent aperitif wine as well. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10. Great find, stack it up for the summer!

Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.

Price as seen on MD shelf: $13.99

Remy Pannier Rose d'Anjou'04, Loire Valley, France

A delightful dry Rose from the Loire Valley

Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Franc. From vineyards between Nantes and the Touraine region of the Loire Valley. The soil is a mixture of tuffeau (chalk) and sand.

Description: Delicate salmon pink color. Aromas of strawberries and cherries. A dry wine with full, tempting flavors and balanced acidity. Supple in the palate, loads with fruits and elegance

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to seafood, shellfish and goat’s milk cheeses. Serve chilled.

Score: 8/10

Suggested Retail Price: $7.49

Domaine Ste Michelle Blanc de Noirs NV, WA, USA

An excellent Rose Sparkling Wine NV from WA made from the Methode Champenoise.

Technical Data:90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay, the opposite of a Blanc de Blanc. Made from the Methode Champenoise. Non-Vintage.

Description:Light salmon-pink color with small bubbles. Dry and medium-bodied Sparkler. Strawberry and Raspberry aromas and flavors, with light spice undertones. Dry at the entrance this Sparkler as a soft and fruity long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service:Because of its soft finish, it will be a good accompaniment with soft cheeses, dessert and specially chocolate or berry. Also nice to be drunk on its own. Serve chilled.

Score:9/10

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99