2010 Casal Garcia Rosé Vinho Verde: Fizzy Fun

While perusing the shelves of the Newport Wine Cellar, I found a line of Rosés and of course they drew my attention.  I love Rosé wines, and not just during the summer, though you most often find them sold during the late spring and summer.  Rosé is often fresh, crisp and pairs well with a wide variety of foods. My best summer recommendation to you is to drink Rosé, to explore the diversity of this compelling wine style. 

I bought two Portuguese Rosés, including the 2010 Casal Garcia Rosé Vinho Verde ($9.99). The Casal García brand is produced by a large winery, Quinta de Aveleda, which also has additional labels such as Aveleda Fonte, Quinta da Aveleda, Aveleda Alvarinho, Charamba, Follies and Adega Velha.  Casal Garcia, with its blue lace label, is a white Vinho Verde and has been around since about 1939. In 2008, Casal Garcia decided to add a Rosé Vinho Verde, using a pink lace label.

The Rosé, relatively low in alcohol at 10.5%, is a blend of three grapes you may never heard of before: Vinhão, Azal and Borracal. Don't let that scare you though. It has a deep pink color with a strong and fruity nose. On the palate, there are prominent flavors of lush strawberry and raspberry and it also has a light effervescence to it, which is refreshing and helps to cleanse your palate.  The wine is primarily dry, with only the mildest hint of sweetness, and good acidity.  Though it is a relatively simple wine, it is quite tasty and fun. I opened a bottle with a meat-covered pizza and it worked well.

For $10, the Casal Garcia Rosé is a very good choice so look for it on local wine shelves.