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Today is National Rosé Day. For those of you who have followed my culinary and viticultural adventures, you are well aware of my unabashed devotion to the pink. In fact, I have been the leader of the rosé bandwagon for over 12 years. WAY before it was the "thing"..at least around these parts. Of course, in France, they have always extolled the vinous virtues of dry rosé. In fact, the French sip more pink than they do white. And I love them for that. Why do I adore rosé so much and preach it so passionately? Let me count the ways... It has the complexity of red, but the thirst-quenching qualities of white. It pairs with so many cuisines, often those that are otherwise, impossible to pair with wine...or close to it. Yes, even Devil Asparagus will cozy up to a rosé...and, lastly...come ON..it's PINK. My signature color. Rosé is the liquid equivalent of sunscreen and a trashy novel...one should never be beachside, poolside, or dockside...without it. And, it is easier than EVER to find fantastic examples, based on a slew of different grapes. Of course, the French have it more than covered. So...I would like to focus on some of the best versions from the USA. A few wineries have been producing rosés long before the current craze. Other wineries, savvy enough to cash in on a trend when they see it, now also produce rosé. Cupcake Rosé? You betcha...and it's actually pretty tasty. Excellent examples may be found across our country, with California and Oregon producing the finest examples, in my opinion. New York State wineries are also starting to craft excellent examples as well, with those based on cool-climate loving Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir showing the most promise. Below are a few of my favorites...some are widely distributed...some are a little bit more special and difficult to come by, as production is lower. A search for any or all of these bottles is WELL worth the effort, for you shall be rewarded with a sipping experience nothing less than ethereal. Personal favorite: Matthiasson: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Counoise. VERY much French in style and palate. Bone dry and stunning. www.matthiasson.com/wines/detail?item=2016-matthiasson-rose Long Shadows Julia's Dazzle:A rosé crafted from 100% Pinot Gris, that has been left to hang on the vine until the clusters developed a bright hue. I was the first to discover this pink around here and used to sell out of it when I sold it retail. longshadows.orderport.net/product-details/0437/2016-Julias-Dazzle-Rose Elk Cove Rosé of Pinot Noir: One of my go-to wines every vintage. Rose petals and strawberry...just a beautiful expression of Pinot in a pink robe. elkcove.com/our-wines/pinot-noir-rose-willamette-valley/ Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix Pinot Noir Blanc: Limited production and well worth the search. Tangerine, cream, pink grapefruit, mineral. belleglos.com/limited-offerings/#oeil-de-perdrix-pinot-noir-blanc Chronic Cellars Pink Pedals: One of my most recent discoveries and I just had to include it. Not only does this winery craft some of the tastiest and most affordable wines I've come across lately...their whimsical names and eye-catching labels should put them on your radar. www.chroniccellars.com/16-PINK-PEDALS SAVED Rosé: Grenache, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. I'll simply tell you what I tell my students. #PATIOPOUNDER Find it and buy it by the case. www.savedwines.com/wines-saved-rose.php This is a TINY sampling of some of the best expressions of the dry and the pink currently available in The United States. There are SO many more out there, but space prohibits me from listing all of them. I am currently on a quest to sample every single ROSÉ that is produced in our country. I've sampled approximately 300 rosés from around the globe, about 1/3 of those being crafted in the United States. I'd say I'm off to a good start. Join me..and please...comment with your favorite pinks!!! Happy #NationalRoséDay Cheers! 
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