Christie Kiley on January 27, 2014 0 Comments Quick Characteristics Winery: Jean-Luc Colombo Location: France Vintage: 2012 ABV: 12.0% pH: 3.46 Sugar Level: 1.4 g/L Pairs With: Fish, Poultry, Egg-Noodle Soup Most of us sitting around in the northern hemisphere are freezing our tukis’ off. Are you experiencing a little bit of cabin fever? Have you dared to venture outside just for a bit of fresh air, even if with that first breath your nostril hairs freeze in place? During these frigid months we only seem to crave comfort foods, red wine, a blanket and a good movie. How long has this been going on? Are you getting bored and maybe wanting just a little variety from the heavy foods and big wines? Sometimes warmer thoughts make for warmer feelings and sensations. If you are looking to lighten the winter mood or cabin fever blues, let me be of assistance. Step away from the corkscrew and red wine you are about to uncork. Reach in your chiller and try this delightful, mood-lifting rosé, the 2012 Jean-Luc Colombo, Cape Bleue Rosé. Skip the leftover beef stew or chili you made two nights ago to last you the week and just make yourself a little indoor picnic. Seriously, go find a blanket, move the coffee table and set a spread. Light a nice fire in the fireplace if you’d like. Why not? The Jean-Luc Colombo Rosé heralds from a little place in Marseille in Provence. Does the thought of a little town off the Mediterranean coast warming you up a little? The vines grow in calcareous soils over-looking the blue coast, hence ‘Cape Bleue’. The beautiful sights are renowned for offering inspiration to many artists with their shimmering coastlines and beautiful landscapes. You’ve heard of Cezanne. You can’t blame the wine-maker, Colombo then, for feeling much of the same inspiration. Lucky for us, it was not put on a canvas, but in a bottle. This rosé is not what you might expect, well, from a rosé. The blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre make for a color with beautiful hues ranging from pale salmon to watermelon juice. That alone will make you thirsty. The nose is wonderfully crisp with minerality and a touch of ocean air. Perfumed notes of warm spices from the Cinsault and hints of fresh, yet tart strawberries make for a friendly and welcoming wine. The blend of the Jean-Luc Colombo Rosé is 40% Syrah , 40% Cinsault, 20% Mourvédre. The aromas all come together and are delightful, fresh, crisp and for the lack of a better word, fun. It is delish! The first impression is light and racy, the light citrus notes of grapefruit round out with touches of apple and it finishes with notes as inspiring as the landscape from which it comes from with light minerality, spice and a touch of saltiness. Back to the topic of your picnic spread, get out the large cutting board and make a spread with Prosciutto, Chevre, cured chorizo sausage, Mortadella, oven-baked brie with candied pecans and walnuts. Add some dried apricots and apples. If you want to experiment a bit, find some lavender honey and drizzle a bit on the Prosciutto. I am sure this little winter-in-door picnic spread might beat out any you might have had in warmer months. If you can’t seem to fathom the idea in such chilly weather not having your best comfort food, pair the 2012, Jean-Luc Colombo Rosé with chicken pot pie or chicken and egg-noodle soup, cedar plank baked salmon and new potatoes with thyme and sea salt. I am sure it will even go well with a generous bowl of home-made three cheese, creamy mac & cheese. Get out of your winter rut and brighten your palate a bit, refresh your tastes. Spring will be just right around the corner. More Wine Reviews: REVIEW: Cakebread Cellars Red Hills 2010 Zinfandel REVIEW: St. Supery 2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon REVIEW: 2010 Montefalco Rosso from Giampaolo Tabarrini REVIEW: 2006 Peller Estates Cabernet Franc Icewine
