How’s the weather in your neck of the woods?
It’s beautiful here in Northern California.
It’s the perfect time to break open the ol’ grill.
When you’re grilling, there are a couple different ways to go in terms of wine pairing.
For me, the choice was obvious…
Stepping Stone 2012 Corallina Syrah Rosé by Cornerstone Cellars
The fine folks at Cornerstone Cellars sent this wine my way as a sample, and I just had to break it open.
This rosé is 100% Napa Valley Syrah. The block of this Syrah was intended to be used for rosé from the beginning. In a world where some rosé is treated as an afterthought, this wine was made with intention. For a wine that saw French oak for 5 months before bottling, this rosé is surprisingly affordable at $20 a bottle. Considering that it is now available on special at $16 from the winery, this rosé is a steal.
Color: A beautiful salmon pink.
Nose: Citrus of grapefruit and lime, with a fun cherry 7-up minerality on the nose.
Taste: Make no mistake. This is a dry rosé. The fruit, however, gives a good perception of sweetness. Beautiful notes of cherries, raspberries, and cranberries with a little orange zest on the back end. A nice minerality, and good acidity, gives this wine a fresh balance that completely hides the 14.1% alcohol.
Score: Cornerstone will tell you that this a serious rosé. I agree. A solid 88.
Now, onto the food…
Mushroom, Onion, and Bell Pepper Kabobs, Marinated Portobellos, and a New York Strip
Some folks will tell you that this outdoor meal requires a big Cab, or a ripe Zin, but those folks are squares.
This is rosé weather.
Stay Rad,
Jeff
What’s your beverage of choice when you’re manning the grill? Leave a comment, and let us know.
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Tags: 2012, Corallina, Cornerstone Cellars, Food and Wine, Grill, Napa Valley, Rose, Stepping Stone, Syrah
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