WASHINGTON — For those of you rushing out to grab a card for the mom in your life, you have Anna Jarvis to thank. She is credited with initiating a Mother’s Day-like event in the early 1900s.
In 1914, the U.S. Congress – not wasting a chance to suck up to moms everywhere — passed a joint resolution making it an official “Day.” So, with the highly anticipated approach of Mother’s Day and the onset of summer, here are a few fun wines that are perfect for giving mom this Sunday – and for sipping all season long.
Rosés are typically made from popular Rhone varietals, including carignan, grenache, mouvedre and syrah, and they are often described as having the body of a red wine with the crispness of a white wine.
This is a result of the winemaking process where the skins are kept in brief contact with the juice after the grapes are crushed, so that the wines take on a pinkish hue. Their unique characteristic allows dry rosé wines to pair well with a wide range of cuisines, including Mexican, Middle Eastern, Thai, Spanish and Indian. (The representatives elected to host the dinner at the renowned Indian restaurant, Rasika, to successfully demonstrate the unique versatility of rosé.)
A perennial favorite around our house is the Non-Vintage Domaine Chandon Sparkling Rosé wine from Napa Valley. It’s made from a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier in the Méthode Champenoise. In addition to being delicious and versatile, the bright pink color is festive and inviting. Ripe strawberry, juicy watermelon and raspberry hit the front of the tongue like a kid on a waterslide. Bright notes of red cherry fruit bring up the rear of the vibrant, refreshing finish. $16
The initial burst of ripe grapefruit on the 2014 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé from the Stellenbosch wine region in South Africa is stunning. It is followed by bright scents of fresh strawberries that herald the freshness and purity of flavors that are repeated on the palate. There is a touch of wet stone and juicy acidity that threads its way throughout the clean, crisp finish. $10
The 2014 Arrayan Rosé – or rosado as it is known in Spain, hails from the famous Ribera del Duero wine region of Spain. It is a blend of Syrah and Merlot and exudes perfumed aromas of bright strawberry and kiwi on the nose. In the mouth, juicy flavors of red raspberry, watermelon and strawberry fruit sing on the lightly textured, medium-bodied profile that’s perfect for a hot summer day. $15
The 2014 Chateau d’Esclans Cotes de Provence Whispering Angel Rosé from Provence, France (the proverbial home of Rosé wines) is all the rage in The Hamptons. It takes its name from the 19th century chapel located on the vineyard property where two cherubs adorn the walls. The nose is fresh with pure, sweet notes of raspberry and strawberry. The wine is completely dry and features pure fruit flavors of wild strawberry, red cherry and peach on the palate. The wine is fresh and bright with a long, clean, fresh finish. $22
Rose’s are delicious
Such a pretty pink hue
Better than flowers
They are meant for two
