As a Pacific Northwester, I find myself
unaccustomed to the sporadic heat waves that dot our otherwise mild summers.
During these times I turn my back entirely on the heavy reds and syrupy dessert
wines of my winter weather habits and turn to light sparkling wines, recently,
Rosés.
Last weekend I was delighted to attend and snag a few new favorites at the Drink
Pink Rosé Festival, hosted by Patton Valley Vineyard in Gaston, Oregon.
After arriving in Gaston, a quick 45-minute
drive southwest of Portland, we were wound up a dry, gravely, rustic road and directed
to down a grove of Patton Valley Vineyard’s cherry trees. We walked along the
grapevines toward the main event munching on fresh cherry palate cleansers,
with the active trills of Calamity Jazz floating through the air, immediately
setting the tone for this laidback, pink-themed summer wine tasting.
As a relatively seasoned event planner, I often
find myself overly discerning as an attendee, however, Drink Pink had me
completely blissful and critique-less. The ambiance, theme and related décor
delivered an airy, summery, sophisticated experience and had me justifiably
color-obsessed. The 15+ participating wineries showcased a varied palate of
pink wines alongside Crown Paella’s, well, paella, and other delicious hors
d'oeuvres. 
On such a hot summer day, each wine was light and proved to be
thirst-quenching (a quality I personally do not often ascribe to wine) – here
are a few of my favorites:
Elk Cove –
2011 Pinot Noir Rosé ($15)
This Rosé wins most
unique and bang-for-your-buck: a tart yet bright wine with hints of vanilla on the finish, and
further reviewed by Anthem’s own #handsomeman here.
The special label pictured dons the Cochon 555
logo, a culinary competition and tour to support local agriculture and raise awareness about
sustainable culinary practices. Both Elk Cove and Sokol Blosser were among the featured
winemakers in the March 2012 event.
Penner-Ash - 2011 Roseo ($18)
An impressive and beautiful raspberry color (for a
Rosé)
with the taste to match – this almost effervescent, crisp wine manages bold
raspberry and cherry fruit flavors with a lightness only Rosé can provide.
Added bonus: the screw top = hassle-free and picnic-ready!
Sokol Blosser – 2011 Rosé of Pinot Noir ($18)
Refreshing citrus on the nose, dry with light
strawberry notes.
JK Carriere
– 2011 Glass Willamette Valley White Pinot Noir ($20)
Peachy and crisp with light sweetness, high citrus
acidity, and a pretty pale blush color for your summer tablescape.
A delicate light copper wine with notes of
intermingling strawberry and peach. On the dry side of Rosé with mild acidity.
Patton Valley Vineyard’s own 2011 Pinot Noir
Rosé was also among my favorites – you can find the Anthem’s tasting notes and
musings on the history // transformation of American Rosé from the #handsomeman
here.
0 comments:
Post a Comment