3 Noland brothers plus Ruth did a rose tasting with 3 rose wines
Wine A
Light copper pink. Strawberry nose with nice raspberry notes. Smooth midpalate showing light red fruit, with nice long strawberry finish and juicy acidity. Classic rose.
Wine B
Bright neon red. Strawberry pop nose. Good sweetish fruit on the midpalate with strawberry notes the strongest. Medium finish of red fruit. This rose is all about the fruit.
Wine C
Salmon pink. Strawberries, oranges and herbs on the nose. Nice midpalate of oranges and cloves with a hint of alcohol that was somewhat offputting. Nice long finish of citrus and spice. Definitely not your typical rose.
With food:
Wine A really sings with a tart de Alsace that has caramelized onions and gruyere cheese. Enhances the acidity of the wine and the strawberry fruit. Also stands up nicely to grilled Portobello mushroom with mozzarella and provolone cheese.
Wine B was perhaps best with the grilled Portobello mushroom as it enhanced the balance of the wine. Also nice with the Alasatian tart.
Wine C dies with the mushroom and is just OK with the tart.
Final tally:
Wine A: unanimous #1
Wine B: 3 out of 4 voted it #3
Wine C: 3 out of 4 voted it #2
Wines revealed:
A: Cotes de Provence rose 2011 Coeur Estrelle
B: Mas Donis rose 2010
C: Winderlea rose of pinot noir 2010