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Wines of the Week

Throughout the Summer, this column will feature rose' wines. Since so many wineries worldwide have jumped on the rose' bandwagon, there is a certain sameness of taste among the wines; wine bandwagons tend to produce similar tastes. In making a rose' wine, the fruit juice doesn't stay with the skins, seeds, and stems long enough to develop distinctive traits; and, there is no oak involved which would produce a fuller body and its own distinctive tastes, such as butter, cream, vanilla, etc. It is very difficult to distinguish between a rose' made from Pinot Noir and one made from Cabernet; at least it is difficult for me. We can talk about a particular style of rose' wine, such as the Provence, France, style: light, dry, with hints of fruit; this style is the most popular right now. Other areas of the wine world, other than Provence, tend towards slightly fuller in body, darker in color, more fruit-forward rose' wines (the fruit juice is allowed to remain with the skins, etc., longer; these wines, I feel, are more distinctive). We at Harney's have collected many rose' wines - perhaps, the best collection on the Cape - in order to expose you to as many as possible; that way, your own tastebuds can find one that appeals to you. 

BROADBENT ROSE' (PORTUGAL) Portugal is best known for Port and Madeira, but it also produces some fine red, white, and rose' wines. This rose' is made from red grapes which are peculiar to Portugal; it is slightly spritzy, which makes it very refreshing.

LE SAINT ANDRE' ROSE' Syrah 25%, Cabernet 25, Grenache 25, Cinsault 25. This rose' is done in the Provence style, exhibiting aromas and flavors of peach and orange skin, with refreshing acidity and mineral notes. Serve as an aperitif, with Summer salads, and with fish and chicken dishes.

Wines of the Week