This little beauty

“What’s in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet” Romeo and Juliet, II, ii, 1-2

Nowadays “claret” is an E.U. protected name for red wines produced in the Bordeaux region. In the Middle Ages it was an anglicization of a French word that meant pale. “Clairet” was a rosé wine made popular by English kings whose suzerainty included what is now Bordeaux. (Hard to guess the quality of this medieval wine: it was popular to add spices from the Orient that had recently become available due to the Crusades.) The claret of the Middle Ages and a rosé wine of today share the fact that they are both made from red wine grapes.

The shade of a wine is dependent on how long the winemaker allows contact of the skins and juice. Almost all red varietals may be used in the production of a rosé. The type of grape and the depth of color will depend on the country, reflecting local preferences in style. Rosé wines can be still or sparkling, and vary from sweet to bone dry. I suggest you compare the difference in elegance and style between a French rosé from Provence (the L.C.B.O usually carries a decent selection at this time of year) and a rosé from the County. I have always enjoyed a Tavel rosé during the summer months, but I have come to recognize the quality and range of fine rosé wines produced here in Prince Edward County. Let us celebrate what comes “From the County”, and yet appreciate the tastes and styles (and even ideas) “From Away”.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
This week Lili has a super recipe for a salad that is the perfect side dish for the upcoming weekend barbecues.

Frederick Picard of Huff Estates has created a special selection of small batch production wines. With only 220 Cases produced, the 2011 “Sculpture Series” Riesling Reserve, picks up where lasts year’s reserve Riesling left off.

A bleached straw hue, along with aromas of white peach flowers and sweet citrus, promise to please tastes. Dry on the palate, this wine stacks flavors of early peaches and Meyer lemon marmalade, on a finish of clean acidity.

This small production will disappear quickly. Don’t be disappointed. Visit the winery at 2274 County Rd. 1, just west of Highway 62. The retail price for this beauty is $21.95.