by Patrick Ogle
Umathum’s 2013 rosé is a refreshing wine for a hot day. Nothing beats a rosé on a summer-like day but this wine? You don’t need the heat to enjoy it. Feel free to break this out in fall, winter or spring.
I wasn't in the mood to have a glass of wine at all but what better way to find out precisely how good a wine is than to have it when you do not want it? This Austrian wine has a tiny bit of effervescence, barely perceptible, when first opened. It has tartness and even a little bit of a bitter finish. There might be a hint of cherry here but do not let that make you think sweet. It isn't sweet at all. This is a lovely, crisp, dry rosé.
When I say bitter do not take that as a slight. The word "bitter" has negative connotations but many foods you probably love have bitterness (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, dill, kale, sesame seeds). Not using the word "bitter" leads to using obscure terms to try to disguise the term. Let us revolt! Bitter isn't bad--especially in the context of a well-balanced wine such as Umathum's rosé.
This wine is a blend of varietals that may not be familiar to many in the USA: blaufrankisch, zweigelt and st. laurent. I've written a little about blaufrankisch (and plan to more). Likewise there will shortly be more on these other two varietals. It is fitting that zweigelt winds up in a blend with blaufrankisch and st. laurent since those two grapes are the parents of the zweigelt varietal. Often grapes that are related complement each other in blends; cabernet franc is frequently blended with cabernet sauvignon.
All three of the grapes in this blend produce lovely varietal wines; they are often red but all three also produce varietal rosés. You may even find dessert wines from these varietals (in truth you can get dessert wines from many varietals). This blend should make you curious about these varietals.
If it is hot out it you might want to grab this wine from Austria. Umathum’s wines are, in general, excellent and their rosé is particularly good.
$22-26
Umathum’s 2013 rosé is a refreshing wine for a hot day. Nothing beats a rosé on a summer-like day but this wine? You don’t need the heat to enjoy it. Feel free to break this out in fall, winter or spring.
I wasn't in the mood to have a glass of wine at all but what better way to find out precisely how good a wine is than to have it when you do not want it? This Austrian wine has a tiny bit of effervescence, barely perceptible, when first opened. It has tartness and even a little bit of a bitter finish. There might be a hint of cherry here but do not let that make you think sweet. It isn't sweet at all. This is a lovely, crisp, dry rosé.
When I say bitter do not take that as a slight. The word "bitter" has negative connotations but many foods you probably love have bitterness (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, dill, kale, sesame seeds). Not using the word "bitter" leads to using obscure terms to try to disguise the term. Let us revolt! Bitter isn't bad--especially in the context of a well-balanced wine such as Umathum's rosé.
This wine is a blend of varietals that may not be familiar to many in the USA: blaufrankisch, zweigelt and st. laurent. I've written a little about blaufrankisch (and plan to more). Likewise there will shortly be more on these other two varietals. It is fitting that zweigelt winds up in a blend with blaufrankisch and st. laurent since those two grapes are the parents of the zweigelt varietal. Often grapes that are related complement each other in blends; cabernet franc is frequently blended with cabernet sauvignon.
All three of the grapes in this blend produce lovely varietal wines; they are often red but all three also produce varietal rosés. You may even find dessert wines from these varietals (in truth you can get dessert wines from many varietals). This blend should make you curious about these varietals.
If it is hot out it you might want to grab this wine from Austria. Umathum’s wines are, in general, excellent and their rosé is particularly good.
$22-26
RSS Feed