A recent article in Forbes highlighted a new Jolie/Pitt wine that has brought new interest to rosé wine.Jolie-Pitt’s New Wine Is Scarce, Twelve Best Rosé’s To Try InsteadSince starting the Virginia Wine and Cigar Trail 3 years ago I have had the opportunity to taste a number of new varieties and styles and several that I have disdained in the past, like rosé and have, with few exceptions, been delighted. One of the pleasant surprises is the number and the complexity of the rosés that we have had the opportunity to taste and pair. We have paired with 5 of them across our 15 (to date) wineries. Across the 5 we have paired them with 4 different cigars, some of them with two cigars that bring out different characteristics. Holly Grove 2010 Sunset RoseThe 2010 Sun-set Rose’ was produced in a semi dry style. Raspberry, Strawberry and a touch of candied cranberry flavors marry to delightfully deliver this deliciously pleasing wine. The rich creamy mouth-feel lets the wine linger pleasantly on the palate. A perfect pairing with fresh berries, light chocolates and spicy foods like barbecue!Paired with The Panacea Azul CameroonPanacea’s newest cigar has a beautiful Cameroon wrapper, a strong Cuban seed binder, the signature Piloto Olor ligero / Seco Cubano binder and a touch of Pennsylvania Broadleaf. The Broadleaf softens the acidity and brings out a creaminess in the wine that is not evident without the cigar.Keswick 2011 RoseThe Rose is a beautiful light pink, almost salmon like, with aromas of Cherries, Raspberries and Pink Grapefruit. This is a luscious, dry styled Rose, similar to those made in Provence.Paired with the Panacea Black MaduroThe wine exhibits aromas of pink grapefruit, strawberries and raspberries, while the palate finishes with hints of red fruit balanced by vibrant acidity. The Black is a tasty and versatile cigar whose subtlety and complexity offers many perspectives. The wine is surprisingly full-bodied offering the weight to back the dry mouth feel of this French-style Rose’ necessary to stand up to the full flavored Black. This is a pairing that is worth an afternoon on the porch.Potomac Point La Bel VieIt is semi-dry, very light wine obtained from a soft press of full bunches of Virginia Syrah. It is light in color, with typical strawberry and citrus flavors. The mouth is elegant, crisp with a nice sweet ending.Paired with the Panacea Green Pennsylvania BroadleafThe Broadleaf is a unique tobacco in cigars as it has an acidic base rather than an alkaline base. When paired with La Bel Vie it softens the acidity of the wine and brings the strawberry flavors to the fore.Rosemont 2011 RoseThis Rose’ is completely dry. It’s a blend of all six different red varietals that we have in the vineyard - Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvi-gnon, Chambourcin, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. The bleeds off of the vinifera were used to mix with the Rose’ that were made from our Chambourcin grapes to produce a full flavored and full bodied Rose’ wine.Paired with the Panacea Azul The CameroonThe Azul has a taste of fruity sweetness in the Cameroon wrapper and a rich and complex nutty flavor that offers a nice balance. It also has a touch of Pennsylvania Broadleaf in the wrapper, which softens the acidity in both of these wines. The Azul is a natural pairing with a Traminette and a dry Rose like this one.Unicorn Winery Slightly EmbarrassedUnicorn’s special & unique blend of Seyval, Chardonel, and Chambourcin is a fun new twist on an all-time favorite. This wine has 1.5% residual sugar and a beautiful straw-berry color. Flavors of strawberry and cherry.Paired with The White Label CorojoDominican with Dominican and Nicaraguan filler, Dominican Habano binder and Corojo wrapper has flavors of coffee with cream, burnt marshmallow, molasses, burnt walnuts and a bit of spice.This cigar is bold enough for the guys but women love that touch of sweetness. Know a woman that is tempted to try a cigar? This is the perfect introduction.This is one of my favorite “I didn’t see that coming” pairings. Both of these wines have a buttery sweetness that lends itself to the White Label Corojo.I have become a fan of rosé wine again and rosé wine and cigar pairings.
