For many, the arrival of Labor Day signals the end of summer. But for those who want to prolong the pleasure of the season, these wines for summer and fall will carry you through until the leaves turn autumn gold and orange.
Pink Provence
The 2020 Aix Rosé is so pale it could be mistaken for a skin-macerated white wine. And its ethereal body is equally deceptive as it releases pungent citrus and cilantro aromas and flavors. The Maison Saint Aix vineyards for this delicious rosé are near Aix-en-Provence, a historic city in the picturesque Provence region. 90 points. Retail prices are $14 to $23.
When Rosé Goes Dark
The southern Rhône Valley Tavel appellation is dedicated solely to rosé wine. It’s not the faintly colored light-body Provence rosé; it’s cardinal red to cherry-colored with the pronounced fruit flavors and high alcohol that you should expect from a mix of grapes approved for Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the wine appellation across the river from Tavel.
Château d’Aqueria traces its history to 1595 when Louis Joseph d’Aqueria purchased the land from the monks at the Abbey in Villeneuve les Avignon. A century ago, the estate was purchased by attorney Jean Oliver, and today, the 163 acres are in the hands of his two grandsons Vincent and Bruno.
The 2020 Château d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé is a blend of seven grapes with Grenache leading at 45%. Similar to red wines, the grapes are macerated and fermented for 15 days, creating a brilliant raspberry-cherry hue, and striking cherry, strawberry, and thyme aromas and flavors. A stream of acidity keeps the wine balanced, and the 14.5% alcohol reminds you that Tavel is a Rhône, not Provençal, wine. Tavels are food-pairing wines: try a glass of Château d’Aqueria with a midday nicoise salad, or dinner’s grilled chicken. 88 points. Retail prices range from $17 to $25.
Check out John’s other suggestions for wines for fall and summer on TheWineOdyssey.com
