The Bottle: Jewell Towne Alden 2009, a rosé from Jewell Towne Vineyards in South Hampton, New Hampshire ($9). This bottle was obtained at the August 26th tasting, after a great recommendation. Let's review the initial thoughts after the tasting:
"There's a glorious aroma filled with flowery strawberries, and the mouthfeel is soft and clean. Not overly dry or puckeringly acidic. One of those wines with a seductive hint of something you know but can't quite put your finger on, and it will stick around at the edge of your palate until you figure it out."
The wine is produced from Alden grapes, 50% from NH and 50% from MA (the vineyard is literally on the border). It is 11% ABV: light, but appropriate for a rosé wine. It is described as a "pleasant sipping wine, as well as an excellent companion to most foods".
Time to pop the cork.
The Wine: The Alden's sweet floral aromas are indeed strong. It smells like spring in an apple orchard. Unlike a lot of rosés, however, the nose does not over-sell the wine. It is neither bone-dry nor weak and watery in taste. That sneaky flavor that previously defied description? A bit of passionfruit, and a bit of Snapple Apple (Snapple's completely fake but still delicious take on apple juice). The finish is clean and bright but slightly sour.
This rosé would pair well with a wide variety of dishes, but best of all with foods that have a bit of heat and spice, like Chinese cuisine (it tasted great after some pork fried rice).
The Verdict: A delightfully different wine, and perfect for the summer heat (serve chilled, of course), Jewell Towne Alden is a hard-to-beat rosé in that price range. Don't forget to share!
Where to get it: If you can't make it out to the vineyard (183 Whitehall Rd. South Hampton, New Hampshire 03827), here is a list of places where you can get Jewell Towne wines.
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