Today is the day before Summer officially starts. Here in the Bay Area, summer has a tenancy to be a bit confused, and we’ve had some amazing weather, then cold weather, then amazing weather, then fog, then…
As confused as it can be, Summer to me is the time to drink Rose and think pink. There is a lot of pink wine out there, but not every pink is the same. Rose wines can vary from just barely pink, almost clear, to deep, rich, translucent ruby. Every grape under the sun has been made in to a rose wine, but the most common are Piont Noir, Grenache, Syrah, and a smattering of other grapes such as Cab Franc and Mourvedre.
Typically, my personal favorites are Grenache and Pinot Noir rose, but there is a very special crop of pink Syrah out there that makes my heart go pitter patter!
Each year, Cornerstone Napa creates the Stepping Stone Corallina is a beautiful women of distinction, created from the Syrah fruit from Napa Valley. And each year, General Manager Craig Camp, promises me that it is the best year ever. Last year, I didn’t think that the team at Cornerstone could possible top the 2012. But, it seems that they have done it with the 2013!
The 2013 Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé is made as Cornerstone processes their white wines, where the Syrah is kept in whole clusters and gently pressed to maintain complexity and the nuances of a purpose made rose. A bone dry rosé , this beauty bears no relation to the sweet, sticky White Zinfandels that are still (unfortunately) mostly closely associated with rose wine.
The light, fresh, and crisp Corallina has bright watermelon, Tuscan melon, and blood orange notes with an interesting fresh tomato note that was at once, unexpected and delicious. The refreshing crispness of the Syrah has bright cherry notes, floral aromas, and an edge of herbaciousness that keep you guessing.
At only $25, I can drink this all summer. Bright and juicy, it is perfect for summer sipping with everything from barbecued chicken to burgers, and can stand up to salted watermelon salad, and rich cheeses as well.
Corallina was given to me by the winery as a press sample, but clearly I love this beautiful women. For more Rosés of Summer, keep watching every Friday!
The post Rosés of Summer: 2013 Stepping Stone Corallina appeared first on Luscious Lushes - a wine, food, and travel blog.