This warm weather is a perfect match for a Rosé. Looking out the windows, all I wish for is to be outside, drinking an exceptional bottle of wine. The beach was also on my mind. Eve though it isn’t technically beach season yet, we’re close enough. This weather requires a wine that is refreshing. Someone mentioned a really delicious Rosé from Spain last summer that is irresistible, so we set out to find the bottle.
After a quick google search, we located a wine shop around the corner who had a bottle of Ameztoi “Rubentis” Rosé for $20 and we went out to grab it. I always love when wine shops keep a large selection of their whites and Rosé’s cold, because as soon as we got back to the office, we were able to crack it open. No chilling needed.
Immediately upon opening the bottle, I was rewarded. The wine smelled of the sea, which isn’t surprising, since we learned that the vineyards are located mere steps from the ocean. It also had a slight fizziness that was very pleasant. It wasn’t bubbly like a sparkling wine, but just zippy enough to tickle the tongue. I could see it being really great with all of the Basque Pintxos – small pieces of bread with a variety of toppings like sardines and blue cheese – that one would find at the bar in Spain.
The first sip gave off really strong flavors of citrus, specifically grapefruit that then gave way to strawberries and roses. The acidity was also really nice, reminding me a lot of lemonade thanks to all the citrus flavors. It was an easy sipper, made more so by the fact that it was so low in alcohol, at only around 10%. It’s definitely a bottle I’ll revisit at an actual beach this summer. I can just picture myself lounging in the sun, drinking a bottle or two, with no need to worry about getting heavily buzzed.
After chatting about the wine a bit, talk turned to summer plans, and dreams of summer Fridays. Welcome summer, it’s good to have you back.
By Adam Teeter, VinePair