by Jenny Benzie, Advanced Sommelier of Épernay
The past few months have been interesting, to say the least.
To start, the weather in March was incredible here on Nantucket. Then, April was the pits (including more than the just the weather). May rolled around where we usually see an influx of people at the start of the season; however, that did not quite transpire this year. Fast forward to today, and summertime is so close you can taste it! It is definitely time to enjoy a splash of summer in your glass.
STYLISH SENSATION
While some may say that beauty is only skin deep, it is hard to deny that what is inside the wine bottle can also seduce you to take another sip, enjoying its inner qualities of charm and grace. The beauty of Chateau de Berne Ultimate Provence Rose extends from the bottle to the contents. This is a powerful blend of traditional Provence combined with modern style, all wrapped up in one.
You will enjoy layers of raspberries and strawberry jam on the nose, followed by a silky, spicy palate. The wine is fresh with moderate plus acidity that is perfect for your afternoon soirée. The contemporary, luminous bottle is inspired by the vineyard lights and bright spirit within that never disappoints. Consider it the ultimate wine for any social (distancing) occasion this summer.
INCOMPARABLE ICON
Follow the stars and you will discover great things. When Marcel Ott wanted to start his own winery in Provence, many moons ago, it was tradition in the region that the winery was named after the property where the grapes were grown, not the name of the family who was the magic behind it all. In order to make his way around this hurdle and make his wines stand out from the crowd, he did several things. He named his brand Domaines Ott—the addition of a star allowed him to use his name in a modified way. He also created an exclusive, unique, and instantly recognizable bottle that still sets this wine apart to this day from others. The signature curvy bottle of the Domaines Ott* estate wines has been the inspiration for many producers of the region to follow suit on his ingenious coattails.
Domaines Ott* “Chateau de Romassan” Bandol Rose… is Mourvedre based, as are most wines from the Bandol region of Provence, providing structure and the capacity for ageing – even for a rose wine! The texture of Grenache, the softness of Cinsault, and the fruity roundness of Syrah are all added smaller quantities. The vines are an average age of 25 years and grown right next to the Mediterranean Sea. You can just imagine them basking in the warm sunshine all summer long, waiting to be harvested at just the right moment in the fall.
POOLSIDE PINK
Sometimes you just want a pink wine that is cheap and cheerful for that afternoon plunge, into the pool that is. L’Ostal Cazes Rose is the perfect choice. This wine is made from a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. The beautiful pale pink color comes from the grapes being pressed immediately at low temperatures so that little color is extracted. The delicate nose of the wine is subtle combination of rose petals and pomegranate. On the palate, the wine is fresh and light with a touch of pleasant acidity.
The name of the winery, “l’ostal,” means both “house” and “family group’ in the ancient Occitan language of the region where the winery is located in the Minervois area. The grapes hail from the Pays d’Oc IGP (indication geographique protegee) region, meaning the grapes are grown along the southern coast in France. The winery is owned and operated by the well-esteemed Cazes family of Bordeaux, as they were looking for a property to satisfy their needs for value wines at an affordable price for everyone to enjoy.
SOPHISTICATED SIP
Every day of life should be celebrated, and why not start with right now? Fortunately, you do not need a special occasion in order to enjoy a fantastic glass of rosé bubbly. The beautiful salmon-pink color and full, aromatic richness of Chapagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose NV is achieved by using 100% Pinot Noir in this effervescent bubbly. Aromas of ripe red fruits invite you to take a sip of this fresh, lively sparkling wine. The palate offers a sensation of plunging into a basket of freshly picked red berries, with a supple, well-rounded finish.
The bottle itself is an invitation to self-indulgence and enjoying life’s finer moments. Its’ shape was inspired by the bottles manufactured in the time of King Henry IV, adding the seal-like monogrammed ‘LP’ shield. This extremely elegant presentation is reminiscent of the delicate wine found inside, just waiting to be released from the bottle. The extreme versatility of this bubbly makes it a perfect pairing for a myriad of cuisines – fresh grilled catch of the day, Asian inspired dishes, or a platter of fresh berries with sliced prosciutto and hard cheese.
You can see for yourself there is a rose lining to every story. Let this be the summer you take a step back to enjoy the variations on a theme that our island has to offer you at the moment. It just might be your best summer on Nantucket.