Summer is Here: Rosé Any Day
photo 1.
2022 Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Rosé
The Beatles Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
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I strongly believe that summer wines should be refreshing, fun, mouthwatering, rejuvenating, pleasant, and perfect for starting a party (as any good wine should, but especially during the summer). One type that has caught my attention recently is rosé. I just finished reading Victoria James’s book, Drink Pink: A Celebration of Rosé, and I must say, it’s a well-written gem with beautiful illustrations. If you’re interested in learning more about rosé wine, I highly recommend this book. While reading it, I couldn’t help but daydream about opening a bottle of delicious rosé.
I invited a friend of mine over for supper so I could finally open the 2022 Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Rosé. I stumbled upon this Chinon at Jersey Wine and Spirits during one of their Friday afternoon tasting events. It turned out to be a vibrant, grippy, refreshing, floral, and fruity wine. What intrigued me the most about this rosé was how it displayed characteristics of both white and red wines simultaneously. It is truly exciting when a rosé can showcase the best of both worlds when crafted with care. This particular producer was briefly mentioned in James’s book, and I had high hopes for their creation. Needless to say, it did not disappoint.
The wine presented itself in a beautiful salmon pink hue, exuding purity that was simply mesmerizing. The color alone was a delight to behold. Upon nosing the wine, I was greeted by the delicate aroma of white flowers, accompanied by subtle hints of wildflower honey. Summer fruits like figs and a touch of wild berries danced in the background, along with a subtle note of rhubarb. On the palate, the wine exhibited a gentle grip, heightened acidity, and a well-balanced structure. With a medium body and incredible freshness, it was a true pleasure to sip. The predominant flavor notes showcased the elegance of white flowers and the tanginess of rhubarb. The presence of wild berries intertwined seamlessly, while the tartness of unripe apricots added a delightful twist. Just a subtle touch of watermelon and parsley rounded out the intricate flavor profile.
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When it came to food pairing, I wanted to recreate the delightful experience I had at the Summer at Scale dinner last month while adding my own personal touch. I purchased some Ahi Tuna from Scale Fish Market and lightly seasoned it in the morning before the dinner. To complement the tuna, I decided to prepare a unique marinade for thinly sliced onion strips, combining honey and vinegar along with sour apricot cubes.
For the soybean paste sauce, I opted to mix the onion vinegar with Korean Doenjang (soybean paste) instead of Japanese miso to introduce a deeper and more savory flavor. Just before searing the tuna, I coated both surfaces with sesame seeds. I seared the tuna for 45 seconds on each side in a hot pan, then sliced it before serving. Finally, I topped the Doenjang sauce with the marinated onion strips and apricot cubes. To accompany this delectable main dish, I also roasted beet stalks and leaves, creating a wonderfully soft and silky side. (I completely forgot to take a photo of the food as I was caught up in entertaining my guest, and by the time I remembered, the plates were already empty.)
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photo 2. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Click the image to listen to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
As I reminisced about the taste of the wine and reflected on my notes, my mind drifted to the iconic song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds from the Sgt. Pepper album. This song, much like the wine, is a vibrant tapestry of colors, boasting a well-structured composition and a tempo that strikes a perfect balance between lively and steady, providing a satisfying ‘grip.’ Its lyrical imagery resonates with the joyful and fun nature I find in this wine. In fact, it’s not just this song, but the entire album that holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite non-classical music albums. I first discovered it during my college coursework in Music History 101.
To be honest, attending a 9 a.m. class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays wasn’t always the most enjoyable part of my college experience. However, delving into the history and significance of this album was undeniably one of the most memorable moments. This connection between the rosé and the song deepens as I realize that while every wine creates memories, a vibrant party-starter like this rosé has the power to generate unforgettable experiences that can be cherished and recounted for years to come.
Just as the song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds brought forth countless delights during my college years, I believe that this wine has the potential to create a multitude of delightful experiences and memories in the years that lie ahead.
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* James, Victoria, and Lyle Railsback. Drink Pink: A Celebration of Rosé. New York, NY: Harper Design, 2017.