Haute Wines: Bertaud Belieu Rosé

Nothing says summer to me like a cold glass of Rosé. As the weather begins to turn and you are finally able to use your patio or enjoy a picnic in the park, a bottle of Rosé is a must. Rosé is a traditionally dry wine (thought it can be vinified sweet) and is made with various types of grape varietals depending on the region in which it is produced. Contrary to some skeptics, it is a world away from its evil twin, White Zinfandel, which it sadly still gets mistaken for. This refreshing summer libation is the choice of the summer jet set worldwide and from the south of France to the Adriatic coast you will see revelers enjoying bottle after bottle of this perfect summer wine!

Even though it is still snowing in New York I recently tucked into a fabulous bottle of Rosé. I have to admit I am a bit of a picky Rosé drinker. I’ve tried Rosé from all over the world but I always come back to Provence. Provence is the home the world’s finest Rosé and is also happens to be the oldest wine region in France. Actually 80 percent of the wine coming out of AOCs in Southern France are rosés so it truly is the place to find some of the best rosé wines in the world. Trying a Classic Cotes de Provence Rosé is a must for every wine drinker and I was thrilled when I had my first sip of the Bertaud Belieu Cuvée Prestige Rosé, 2009, Cotes de Provence, France.

This wine is petal pink and has redolent nose of fresh strawberries and mixed berry fruit salad. It is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cinsault and 5% Tiburen which goes through a light maceration during vilification. On the palate it is instantly refreshing with hints of juicy farm stand strawberries. Like many Cotes de Provence Rosés it is quite easy drinking but is far from simple with bright acidity and a long lingering finish.

The Bertaud Belieu entices you to drink a second glass and it beautiful on its own but is also surprisingly food friendly and is a perfect pairing for a plate of citrus cured salmon. In New York, Bertaud Belieu has become the go-to wine for some of the best brunches in the city at Lavo, the Plaza and Bagatelle. At Day & Night at the Plaza, if you are in the mood to really kick off summer, you can be like one lucky group that bought a record-breaking 6L bottle of Bertaud Belieu Rosé to enjoy last weekend!

Click here for more haute drinking from wine expert Tiffany Westlie.

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