With the warmer weather approaching that means that rosé season is upon us. It’s not surprising that on an island with miles of beaches and beach towns that drinking rosé wine would be very popular, in fact in the Hampton’s this year they are talking about a rosé shortage.
Every east end winery bottles a rosé which usually sells out quickly. While you won’t be drinking any of the grape varietals used to make rosé in the south of France such as Mouvedre, Cinsault or Grenache, they make do with Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
One recent Saturday afternoon I drove out East to try a few.
One Women Winery 5195 Old North Road, Southold
Small production winery, a real mom & pop operation with excellent wines. Small, cozy tasting shack with knowledgeable staff, not much space inside but there are tables surrounding the tasting room.
2018 Rosé
A blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir, recently bottled. Light copper in color, watermelon on the nose with light melon notes on the fruit, nice balance with refreshing acidity at the finish.
Corey Creek Tap Room 36225 Main Road, Cutchogue
Owned by Bedell Cellars, as the name suggests they serve only small batch wines on tap, “fresh from our cellar”. The tasting room has a nautical décor with an outdoor seating area overlooking the vineyard.
2018 Rosé Syrah
Light pink in color with sweet melon on the nose and fresh peach notes on the fruit with some residual sugar coming through at the finish.
McCall Wines 22600 Main Road, Cutchogue
McCall is not only a vineyard but a cattle ranch as well. They raise grass-fed Charolais cattle, a heritage European breed, on the adjacent ranch and is one of the few vineyards that bottle a pinot noir. The rustic tasting room is a former potato curing barn. There’s always one of the owners on hand overseeing the tasting room and pouring.
2018 Marjorie’s Rosé
A blend of Syrah and Merlot, light copper in color, sweet kiwi on the nose, funky melon on the full fruit with crisp acidity on the finish.
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