Wine Pick of the Week: May 31, 2015

Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence 2014 Rose  (France)

While in upstate New York this weekend, I visited Ryan’s Wines & Spirits in Canandaigua and picked up this little rose on sale for $11.99/bottle. It’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvedre. The nose starts with some faint strawberries and a touch of vanilla. Like many French roses, it’s off-dry and not too sweet. Tart flavors begin with minerals, develop to strawberries and progress to a hint of lemon.

This would be a nice porch sipper, but would also pair with spring mix salad greens, a light chicken salad and crudités.