With the hot weather we’ve been having this summer in Sonoma County and other parts of California, I had a craving to taste some summer wines such as dry roses and off-dry muscats. I’m sure that some of this had to do with the fact that I’m currently reading the book, Extremely Pale Rose, which is a fun romp through the wine regions of France looking for the lightest pink colored rose wine.
Anyway, I headed to some of my favorite wine stores and also had some wines donated by friends and we had a relaxed tasting by a swimming pool on Sonoma Mountain. Though we did taste some lovely dry roses from France and Spain, this blog focuses on California wines, so I wanted to share with you two of my favorites:
**** 2008 Novella Muscat Canelli from Paso Robles “Rayons de Soleil” – light yellow color with a nose of peaches and honeysuckle, this wine is for all of you who enjoy a touch of sweetness in your glass. Simple and unpretentious, it is perfect for a hot summer day sipping wine by the pool. I had this with melon wrapped in prosciutto and it was a perfect pairing. It also comes in a tall attractive clear bottle with a reclining woman on the front eating grapes. A great deal at only $6.99, Trader Jo’s.
**** 2008 Corazon Cabernet Rose, Corison Winery, Napa Valley – a classic pale onion-skin color with a restrained strawberry nose/palate and a very dry finish. A more serious rose made in the Provence style, but with a higher alcohol of 13.5%. Pairs wonderfully with green salad with goat cheese, or goat cheese brie on its own. $24. Available at www.corison.com.