Last month we discussed the coming of age and quality evolution of wines presented in abstract packaging. This month I’d like to do the same for another kind of wine: rosé! Let’s first dispel the silly rosé rumors, they’re not just for your loopy auntie, they don’t just come in 1.5 Liter size, nor are they only made from Zinfandel! Now, that we’ve cleared the air and the slate is fresh, let me say that rosé is refreshingly delicious, pairs well with all kinds of foods (from barbecue to seafood), and is a perfect way to start an impromptu summery soiree out on the deck!

They come from all over the world, anywhere that wine is made. Traditionally rosé is made from red wine grapes. (Although, in recent years, some white grape varietals have been used to blend with). The bright pink coloring has to do with the time the wine comes into contact with the grape skins during fermentation. Some rosés see a lot of skin time, and thus become a deeper red, almost resembling a red wine. Other rosés barely take on a hint of ever so delicate salmon coloring. While most are best when consumed young for their ultimate brightness and freshness that makes them so enjoyable, there are some, especially those from France’s Bandol or Tavel, that cellar well for several years.

The most interesting is the diverse flavor profiles that can be found among rosés from different parts of the world. Generally speaking, French rosé is the most dry and most complex while Spanish rosé is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum (dare I say Kool Aid-like?) with a long lasting sweeter strawberry finish. French rosés tend to see more Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvedre blendings, while the Spanish lean towards using Tempranillo and Monestrell. Domestics tend to fall smack dab in the middle of these two extreme flavor profiles depending on exactly which red grapes are used. Interesting domestic rosés include Sangiovese, Malbec, and Pinot Noir! From bubbly, to bone dry, to sweeter, rosé offers something for everyone. The bottom line is they are definitely worth trying!

1. Riondo Raboso Pink Prosecco $12, light color, tiny bubbles, prosecco fresh!
2. 2009 Casal Garcia Vinho Verde $7, simply so good its addictive!
3. 2009 Chateau Bas $9, bright salmon color, bone dry, great with a sunset!
4. 2009 Domaine de l’Hortus $16, one of the best rosés for food!
5. 2009 Syncline $15, Columbia Valley rosé made with Rhone varietals, very unique!

Mother’s Day is May 9th! Don’t get put in the doghouse by forgetting Mom’s favorite wine! May marks the month of several new arrivals, especially new 2009 rosé releases. From Washington to France, new wines are seemingly released every week. Be the first to please Mom by grabbing her fave, or finding something rare and new to try.

Wine Tasting: Ever taste a Grüner Veltliner from Austria? Or how about the ever famous canned wine of Chile? Want to revisit some great Walla Walla wines without the commitment of buying an entire bottle? Saturday, May 15^th allows you to taste all those and more! Mark your calendar for the first of Leschi Market’s biannual wine tastings. The Lakewood-Seward Park Community Center will proudly host the event from6:30pm to 9:00pm on the evening of the 15^th. This is your chance to try more than 50 wines from all over the world! Last spring topped out at a record 70 wines, ranging from champagne to zinfandel, (that’s from A to Z in wine terms!) and from moderately priced to downright inexpensive! A requested donation is taken at the door, but well worth it’s weight in wine! Taste as much as you like, snack on some great hors d’oeuvres, hang out with friends and make a few new ones along the way. Orders placed at the event receive a special “event only” discount. It’s a truly fun event for friends, family, and neighbors to get together and literally taste the world of wine. Personally, this will be my 7^th event with the Market, and one of the highlights of the entire year. For directions and further details, visit www.lspcc.org  Hope to see you there! CHEERS! ENJOY!

Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is a wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His monthly column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com. Contact Ken directly at leschimarketwine@aol.com and follow the wine department exclusively at facebook.com/leschimarket OR twitter.com/leschimarket.

Ken Benner wine wine picks