I was sitting in Duet, a corner restaurant off 7th Ave in the village last night, with a friend of mine who owns a small import company, and throughout our conversation about what makes the market tick, I was pondering what people are truly looking for in whites and roses this spring. Many of us know that roses in particular have skyrocketed in popularity over the past 5+ years thanks to the NY and San Fran markets (not normal for me, but a big shout out to the Hampton’s for this!). Rose is so popular that if you have anything to do with the beverage industry and you’re not making one, you just plain don’t like to make good sales! Breathing a sigh of relief, I applauded how the industry has really started early at unleashing the pink sea torrent this year – a big complaint I had last year. I felt everyone was way to slow at preparing for the spring rush of blush in 2015. Gosh, I’m even annoying myself with all the pink wit.
I’ll stop.
I really wonder what is the best selling style? Where is the best region? Of course, many of us would burst into these questions with an immediate “PROVENCE, DUMMY!” But I’m not so sure anymore. I’ve felt that some of the most exciting regions that have been gaining more and more popularity aren’t even touching the south of France. Regions like Rioja, Sancerre, Chinon, pockets of Cali, South Africa and Long Island (YES!) are producing unbelievable wines. Why was I think about all of this? I really don’t know. Wine is so subjective that it is okay to make any style, but I feel that when it comes to rose, the one who reads the market well enough to know the preferred palate wins the annual lottery and could sell thousands upon thousands of cases. And still, why does that concern me? I don’t know. I guess I just like to know what people are drinking. What are you looking forward to drinking this spring?
I’m pumped about:
Txomin Extaniz Txakoli Rose 2015
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Rose 2015
Lioco Indica Mendocino Rose 2015
Berangerie “Tu bois coa?” Cahors Rose 2015
Wolffer Estate Long Island Rose
Will Lopez de Heredia finally release their next rose vintage?? There hasn’t been one since 2013 (the 2000)! We’ll have to see if they’re on schedule.
By the way the smoked tartare is crazy good at Duet. The presentation and freshness is certainly worth a dip in. Try their marinated mushrooms with a shot of whatever vodka the owner recommends first and make it a small plate endeavor.
Whites to come.
terroirhunterdotcom 