Wine Wednesday: 2017 Cinsault Syrah Rose

Happy Wine Wednesday, loves.

It's been a little over a month since my last #WineWithChas installment, so I thought it would be fitting to get back into the swing of things with a summertime favorite - ROSE.

This 2017 Cinsault Syrah Rose by Laurent Miquel is simple, fruit forward and flavorful. Typically, I shy away from super sweet rose wines in the summer for two reasons: one, because (depending on the brand) it's too damn hot for all of that sugar; and two, it makes it difficult to truly appreciate the grape varietals from which they are derived. Fun fact: the darker the color of the rose, the longer the skins have been in tact before they are removed from the juice. The lighter the rose, typically the more lighter and crisp it is on palate.

So pour me up a nice, dry, pale pink rose with a round finish and we are in business, okay?

Hailing from the most southern part of Rhone, France, the Cinsault grape is savory and satisfying. It's a popular varietal that is used in a number of Chateauneuf du Pape (another one of my favorite French reds.) With notes of cherry and pepper on the tongue and nose, its moderate acidity shocks the taste buds at first. But the 20 percent of Syrah provides the necessary roundness and balance - bringing forth red fruit flavors like plum and boysenberry.

With summer winding down, this delightful rose blend would be a great addition at any cookout - pairing well with a fresh citrus salad, grilled chicken or shrimp kabobs.

Expect to spend between $10-$12 on this bottle.

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Cheers!