Solo Rosa Rose (from Sangiovese) 2005 – California

Tired of the pink wine reviews? I hope not, as there are at least a half-dozen more coming in the next two weeks. Seems I drank a lot of dry rose the past month.

Usually, I go for the pink wines from Spain, Portugal, and France, but every once in a while spot an example from California that appears interesting. Part of the problem in choosing an unknown rose from the USA is that you never know if it’s going to have a sweet flavor — what many people (and restaurant wine lists) associate with “blush” wines. Luckily, this “blush” made from Sangiovese finishes dry, and has enough acidity to match well with a variety of foods.

Color is pinkish bright orange — like the inside of a blood orange or raw wild salmon. Nose is a little hot of alcohol, not terribly expressive until it warms up — then it offers ripe fresh pear – it smells more like a clean Chardonnay than a Sangiovese. Some faint hints of citrus, maybe red fruit and something green. Flavors of red cherry, ripe pear, a touch of watermelon candy (i.e., jolly rancher). Glassy smooth texture. Good dose of acidity, typical of Sangiovese. Tannins are apparent and mild, offering a nice bit of structure. Finish is pleasant, though a touch warm, with ample pear, some red cherry fruit, and vanilla oak. It’s really more like Chard than Sangiovese.

It was a good match for tacos made with ground turkey, and will be tasty with similarly lean meat and fish dishes. At $28.00, it’s a bit overpriced … and I have to admit I didn’t pay that premium, because the wine shop had it tagged at $12.99 (at that price, a good value), which is the cost for the “entry level” Rose from Sola Rosa.

a-7 t-7 b-8 fc-8 v-6 ~ 86 Points

Solo Rosa Winery Website

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