Rosé Recommendations from Craig
Managing Director and wine expert Craig Bancroft MI delves into the wine cellar to share his favourite wines for the bank holiday weekend.
Are you looking for that special bottle of wine, something delicate and festive to salute the changing season? Craig may have the answer…
The Lancashire Riviera: Summer Blush and Rosé
Here at last are the beginnings of summer, leather on willow, the delights of lawn tennis, the first glimmer of the inevitable glass of rose sat in the garden stirring memories of that great overseas holiday.
On the first of May each year at Northcote we introduce a list of rosé wines from around the world, offering varieties and styles at varying prices and values to our customers.
This is a personal synopsis of what seems to make you look at which rosés are available at your quality wine merchants. Using this as a benchmark to the way we think, why not grasp the spring and summer as an ideal opportunity to introduce these little gems to your wish list as great wines for this time of year especially enjoying your gardens and the joys of a BBQ. Rosés also give a sense difference when approaching food matching, giving alternatives for your enjoyment at home.
The list consists of 15 still wines from all over the globe alongside eight rosé Champagnes from Deutz and Ruinart rosé to a cracking sparkling Shiraz from Australia, Peter Lehman ‘Black Queen’. The latter isn’t strictly a rosé but is worth taking the opportunity to enjoy as a point of fun and difference for your special friends. It makes a fabulous welcome at a BBQ in particular and is something quite special on a summer night, although it will blow your socks off!
Quaff your chosen rosé as an aperitif or match it to good food, whichever you feel is best. This is the time to make rosé part of your drinking repertoire. So grasp with both hands and enjoy the unique qualities each one brings…Vive la difference!
Domain Ott Chateau Romassan
For the refined, elegant guest who like to follow fashion we list the wonderful joys of Domain Ott Chateau Romassan. This is a cult wine for many but in fairness has been around and delighting palates for 60 years. Dom Ott provides a great food match possibility and has become super popular at Northcote. The introduction of By Ott, a more affordable start to the Ott stable that still has quality in layers is much welcomed. Soft and delicate with a zingy racy touch and a luscious blend of white peaches and exotic fruits, a lemon and spicy touch that stands up to most food very well.
Rock Angel
We also love all the wines from Chateau d’Esclans. You may know Whispering Angel but its big brother Rock Angel is the star of the show and worth seeking out, as is the whole range. For the more extravagant purchase, the Garrus Rose will delight and is utterly memorable.