Federal Wine & Spirits

29 State Street, Boston, MA 02109

Read about the wines in this tasting

Read what our customers thought

This Week's Tasting

Hot Summer Rosés
June 26, 2024

Two faces of the crisp, savory Cabernet Franc grape make these two estate wines perfect for meals on days too hot for a red.

 

Wine Tasters 

This Week

Wed, Jun 26, 2024

Hot Summer Roses

In-store, 5 - 6:30pm

 


 

Rose

Two Delicious New Loire Rosés      

 Two faces of the crisp, savory Cabernet Franc grape make these two estate wines perfect for meals on days too hot for a red. Both estates are among the top in their communes.

 

Soft and Savory

2022 Domaine de la Chanteleuserie Bourgeuil Rosé

Sometimes, the arrival of a new vintage forces an importer to sell off the previous year's at a discount. Bourgueil makes lighter wines that don't lack intensity. There, the Boucard family has famed Franc since 1822. A year has given their 2022 Bourgueil Rose a different kind of delicious. Cabernet Franc's edge has been tempered into an aromatic softness, making it lovely to drink now. I loved its savory balance and took all the importer had, but only five cases.

Aroma: very light, clean, fresh and lifted, pretty, herbal; Mouth: bright, forward poised, clean, fine edge, supple and pretty, long; Very Good-Excellent $19.99; Case, $16.99

 

Deep and Powerful

2023 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Rose

Saumur ’s cabernet francs are richer and heavier. It's the home of some of the Loire's most sought-after cult wineries, of which Guiberteau is one. This edition stands out for its power, drive, and intensity. It's rich now, and with air opens into a full, dense, and weighty wine., extraordinary for its price.

Color: very, very pale; Aroma: very heady and lushly floral, accented by a crisp green note; Mouth: vibrant, bright, heavy, and floral, with a bright acid line, firm, refined acid full, bright, long; Very Good - Excellent $24.99; Case, $21.49

 

Our Four Most Popular Rosés

Customer and Wednesday Taster Favorites over several vintages

 

Our Most Popular Provencal Rosé

2023 Ch. Roquefort Cotes de Provence Rose Corail

Raimond de Villeneuve's biodynamic Rose Corail (French for coral) has been our most popular Provencal rose for years.Northern exposure and the estate's high altitude give the wine freshness embedded in rich, full, and rounded fruit. Combined with the delicately astringent structure of Provencal roses, it is a good partner for various warmer weather dishes, even bouillabaisse, grilled fish, and almost any chicken or lightly dressed salad.

Organic, Biodynamic; Aroma: somewhat reserved to start, but opens light, pretty, and floral; Mouth: juicy bright, intense fine, intense, clean piercing acidity, followed by generous fruit, delicate astringency on the finish; Very Good Plus $21; Case 215.88 (17.99)

 

A Glass of Tuscan Spring

2023 La Spinetta Il Rose di Casanova

For many years now, Giorgio Rivetti and his brothers make this Rosato of Sangiovese. The 2023 La Spinetta Il Rose di Casanova is a balanced, classic wine. It is both aromatic and flavorful and perfectly medium-bodied. You can drink it on its own or with food. That's why, over the years, it has become one of the favorite roses in local restaurants.

: Bright, restrained Rose color—flavors and aromatics of cherry, strawberry with herbs and lavender. Flowers and white pepper mingle and lead into a subtle, balanced finish. Excellent $21, case 17.99

 

A Sicilian ‘Pinot Noir’

2022 Terre Nere Etna Rosso Rosato

It comes from the Pinot Noir-like Nerello Mascalese grape grown on the slopes of Sicily's Mt Etna volcano. The wine is beautifully layered, and rich plum fruit grows in the glass. Over a distinctive volcanic minerality, it's a crisp, piquant expression of the grape.

2022 Terre Nere Etna Rosato: Bright pink. Freshness and complexity with plum and flowers accented with spice. The net effect is luminosity with refined joy. Very Good - Excellent 25.99, case 21.99

 

2023 Mourchon Seguret Cotes du Rhone Villages Loubie Rose

"The best estate today is in Seguret." Robert Parker

"undeniably delicious rosé from this great estate." Jeb Dunnock

Loubié Rosé is easy-to enjoy. Its Grenache and Syrah blend is flavorsome, and the excellent acidity makes it refreshing and has a lengthy finish. Seguret next to Gigondas. The rose comes from vines that average over 40 years old, and the yields are remarkably low, so the wine has good concentration. 

Organic strawberries, citrus fruits, and spring flowers Very Good Plus $23.99, case $19.99

 

Summer Rosé Case, two each of the wines - $235, 19.58 a bottle

Mix any 12 bottles at their case prices

 

Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: order@federalwine.com

 

Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts!

 

           - Len Rothenberg

 

 

 

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