A Trio of Rosé Wines from Kramer Vineyards, Holman Ranch Vineyards, Port of Leonardtown

Hello Friends,

Just about every day, as wine o'clock approaches, you can find me uncorking or unscrewing a new wine adventure. Being a wine enthusiast, a wine blogger, and someone who thoroughly appreciates and enjoys the liquid expression of a place, a person’s vision, and Mother Nature’s influence -- I find wine to be one of the most intriguing beverages in the world. It’s a hobby where there is always something new to taste and learn as well as a sea of friendly "wine peeps" to meet in real life or via those wonderful and time-consuming social media portals called Facebook and Twitter.

Pouring Kramer Vineyards 2012 Rosé of Carmine

I recently enjoyed a trio of drier-style rosé wines that were fresh, fruity, and had summertime sipping written all over them. All three are extremely versatile and flexible partners to a wide variety of foods – especially warm weather fare (hint-hint). Below are the wines accompanied by my tasting notes and a picture I snapped of each bottle.

This month’s Wine Blogging Wednesday theme this is Dry Rosé, so I encourage you to search for hash-tag #WBW80 on Twitter and check out some of the selections other wine bloggers have highlighted on their sites. Variety, so they say, is the spice of life; so keep an open mind and an open palate and enjoy the experience. Drink well my friends!

Kramer Vineyards 2012 Rosé of Carmine

1) Kramer Vineyards' 2012 Rosé of Carmine (SRP $18): This is a crisp and refreshing rosé made from the rare and hard to find Carmine grape variety that is a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Merlot. In the glass, this rosé displays a deep salmon-pink color with vibrant red berry fruit aromas (strawberry, watermelon, etc.), rose petals, and a touch of dried herbs with a brisk underlying citrus acidity. It’s dry, lively, fresh and the perfect accompaniment to a variety of warm weather foods. Approximately 66 cases of this wine were produced and it is only made when Mother Nature cooperates. (Other info: ABV 10.9%, cork enclosure). Click here to find this wine.

Holman Ranch 2011 Rosé of Pinot Noir

2) Holman Ranch ‘Estate Grown’ 2011 Rosé of Pinot Noir (SRP $22): This wine is light, crisp, and dry with fresh strawberries, watermelon, and rose-hip notes alongside underlying hints of citrus peel supported by firm acidity. This is a nice summertime staple from California’s Carmel Valley (Monterey County) and is refreshing and extremely food-friendly. I enjoyed with grilled bacon-wrapped scallops. I keep rosé wines in rotation year-round, but with the seasonal warmth (and humidity) of summer upon us, this bright selection from Holman Ranch was right on time. Cheers! (Other info: ABV 12.5%, natural cork enclosure). Click here to find this wine.

Port of Leonardtown Winery Wicomico Rosé

3) Port of Leonardtown Winery 2011 Wicomico Rosé (SRP $13.99): This is a dry Rosé from Maryland made from the Chambourcin (French-American hybrid) grape variety. It is a delightful summertime sipper with vibrant red berry fruit and lingering floral notes. With bright acidity and fresh fruit, this pocket-and-palate-friendly selection has the ability to partner with a range of foods. I enjoyed this wine by itself and with a tasty grilled ham sandwich from the HoneyBaked Ham store. (Other info: ABV 12.5%, 92% Chambourcin / 18% Traminette, aged in stainless). Click here to find this wine.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Have a question about this post? Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Stay tuned ...more to come. Happy Sipping, my friends! Disclosure: These wines were provided for review. Thoughts are my own.

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