West Side Wine

Spring is here, and it’s time for me to start expanding my inventory of rosés. As you may or may not know, I carry about 30 different rosés from all over the place during this time of year,  and about 6 or so all year round. I’m a big believer that these wines are great any time, not just when it’s 100 degrees out there. Every year I’m offered rosés from the previous vintage, because not all winemakers sell out of everything.  I jump all over the opportunity, and so should you. I think that rosés are even better the after a year and sometimes beyond, but most of my fellow retailers treat them as if they turn to vinegar over the winter.  WRONG! But that thinking works to my, and your, advantage.  Because importers have inventory left over, and because most retailers won’t touch the “old” stuff, the importer drops his prices drastically to me and in turn I drop the price drastically to you.  Rosés that normally cost $15 or $20 when “new” become $10 or $15 better tasting rosés.  And when you get vintages like 2007 that were phenomenal in places like the Rhone Valley ( where a lot of rosés come from),  you’re really making a killing.  Just because they’re pink doesn’t mean that they won’t age well over a couple of years. In Tavel, which is an appellation in the Rhone Valley that only makes rosés, they don’t think the wines are worth gulping until they’re two or three years old.  And in Spain there’s a wonderful winery in Rioja called Lopez de Heredia, whose current rosé release is 1998.  How’s that for “old”?  And it’s delicious.  So, if you’re nosing around for a rosé these days, look for ones that are a year old. They should be a bargain, and should be delicious.  Take it from the self-procalimed King of Rosé.