Nothing tastes like spring more than Rosé! Trees are exploding with vibrant blossoms, flowers are finally daring to show up in their finest, and the earth is green and good again. While I could drink Rosé all year, there is something special about a crisp, chilled glass of Rosé with fresh spring fruits and vegetables. Or roast chicken and a salad. Or Thai takeout. Basically, I drink Rosé with anything. Mostly because pink wine is just pretty.
I have found Rosé to be a wild card wine though, which fascinates me. Varieties range from dry to super sweet. I decided the perfect way to explore some new varieties would be to invite friends over to share the experience. The plan was for us to end the night with some new wine recommendations and a slight buzz. Half the plan was a success. “Slight” was a misjudgment on my part.
I invited six friends with the request that they each bring a bottle of wine under $20. “The cheaper the better,” I suggested. I supplied some classic wine tasting food: a meat and cheese board with crackers; chips; olives; strawberries; something called brownie brittle; and a French flair of madeleines, which are little tea cakes.
My "sommelier" friend, Mal, helped me conduct the tasting. As guests arrived, we popped the bottles of wine into the freezer so they could properly chill. We were all surprised that everyone brought a different variety of wine and there were no duplicates. For each round, Mal slid a bottle into a paper bag and tied it shut with a numbered tag so we wouldn’t judge the wine based on the label, but could still keep track of the wine in each round. We used “tasting glasses” which were glass yogurt jars I had collected in the weeks leading up to the event.
These ladies committed to the experience and I heart them so much for being exuberant participants! I realized after the first two rounds that we were moving fast and basically doing tastings like they were shots. I blame the tiny glasses. After the first few rounds we slowed the pace a little and allowed more time for conversation. We learned important things, like how you can sniff your arm instead of coffee beans to clear your sense of smell, and that there is clearly a difference between Tuesday night wine and Saturday night wine.
After the fourth round, Mal and I were pleased that everyone had brought twist off bottles and we didn’t have to operate a wine opener.
After the final round, Mal and I revealed the bottles and results together. The fact that almost everyone remembered which comments were theirs is proof that we were fine. We found there were a variety of favorites out of the selection which was fun to discuss. Some people enjoyed the sweet (willing to pay “anything”) and others preferred one they could pair with “onion rings” or “meatloaf.” There was even enough leftover wine for people to have a second taste of their favorite(s).
We used the same question set for each round: what did the wine taste like, what food would you pair with it, and how much would you be willing to pay? You can see the actual questions with the results below.
I don’t know jack about notes or tannins, but is it just me, or does this taste like___?
A flower
Water with a kick
Refreshing (2 responses)
Heaven
Watered-down vodka
I’d totally chow down on some ___with this.
Cheese and crackers (2 responses)
Fondue
Cheese
Chocolate
Taco Bell
Salty Snacks
You know, I think I’d pay up to $___for this one. Maybe.
$10 (2 responses)
$12
$15 (2 responses)
20
I don’t know jack about notes or tannins, but is it just me, or does this taste like___?
Fruity Sprite
A stronger Rosé wine
Syrup
Alcohol
A little dry and fruity
Strong mimosa
I’d totally chow down on some ___with this.
Garlic bread
Steak (2 responses)
Meatloaf or Chinese food
Chocolate
Donuts
You know, I think I’d pay up to $___ for this one. Maybe.
$3
$7
$8
$10 (2 responses)
$15
I don’t know jack about notes or tannins, but is it just me, or does this taste like___?
Melted ice
The best one so far
Peonies
A penny
Light and mild
Sweet goodness
I’d totally chow down on some ___with this.
Chips (2 responses)
Spaghetti
Hershey’s Kisses
Fish and chips
Goat cheese
You know, I think I’d pay up to $___ for this one. Maybe.
$5
$10
$12
$15
$20 (2 responses)
I don’t know jack about notes or tannins, but is it just me, or does this taste like___?
A nice Tuesday wine
Pickles
White grapes
White grape juice
Water
Pure freshness
I’d totally chow down on some ___with this.
Chocolate
More sugar
Cold cut sandwiches
Onion rings
Frozen pizza
Cheese and crackers
You know, I think I’d pay up to $___ for this one. Maybe.
$7
$10 (2 responses)
$11
$15
$20
I don’t know jack about notes or tannins, but is it just me, or does this taste like___?
Candy
Tangy and light
Sunshine and rainbows
sweaters
Strawberry water
A candle
I’d totally chow down on some ___with this.
Fruit (strawberries!)
Chocolate covered strawberries
Strawberries and powdered sugar
Brunch
Food
Popcorn
You know, I think I’d pay up to $___ for this one. Maybe.
$8.50
$15 (2 responses)
$20
$25
I don’t know jack about notes or tannins, but is it just me, or does this taste like___?
Sweet summer
My bubbly personality :)
Sweet and bubbly
A bubble bath
Mr. Bubbles
Summer
I’d totally chow down on some ___with this.
Brownie sundae
Tums
Gummy bears
Strawberry shortcake
Dark chocolate
Margherita pizza
You know, I think I’d pay up to $___for this one. Maybe.
$.50
$15
$25
$30
Priceless
Anything
Some lessons learned: Make sure everyone has ride; A sober photographer would be helpful; Provide heavier carbs like pizza or mac and cheese; Don't host this party on a weeknight
Thank you to the beautiful ladies who made this the best experience, and a big thank you to sommelier Mal for helping me coordinate and keeping the tasting on track! I believe a martini tasting is next?
Thank you to Bev Cooks for the inspiration: How to Host a Rosé Wine Tasting Party.