Several years ago, Grant and I took a small group of Wine Lovers on a Viking River Cruise in Bordeaux, France.  Prior to arriving in Bordeaux, we spent a glorious ten days exploring the beautiful Loire Valley Region. It was early October, unseasonably warm and we were enchanted with the scenery, the history, the castles, the wineries and the wine. 

During our time, we visited several wineries, enjoyed many a delicious meal and met some fascinating people.  Being a warm October that year, we spent a lot of time dining outdoors.  One such meal, I will always remember.

We had spent a delightful morning touring a winery near Saumur where grapevines literally grow through a stone wall. (Chateau de Parnay Clos d’Entre les Murs).  See article here.  As we drove through the little villages on the banks of the Loire, we spotted a cheerful looking café with outdoor tables serving lunch, so we pulled in. While the meal itself was wonderful, it was the people watching that had me entranced. We sat happily watching a scene unfold that you’d never see here in Edmonton!

At one of the tables sat a group of big, burly guys, obviously construction workers or labourers judging from their clothing.  They were on a lunch break and really relaxed, chattering happily, laughing and eating and drinking.  Nothing unusual, right?

As they munched contentedly on their meal, I was astounded by what they were drinking.  No beer and burgers for this crowd!  Instead, these big guys had a bottle of wine on the table and, in stemmed glassware were sipping on,……… wait for it………Rose wine!

We couldn’t believe it!  Back in Alberta at the time (2014) we had Rose wines in stock and were always recommending them, but to no avail.  We even tried hosting a Rose Wine Tasting and had no takers.  Now that's mostly changed.

Fast forward to today.  Here we are on the verge of springtime in Edmonton, in year two of a Pandemic. Most of us haven’t socialized, met with friends or gone further than the grocery store in over a year.  We’ve been cooking more, exercising less and dreaming of brighter days ahead when we can safely venture back out into the world again.  So, in the meantime, while we struggle to get through another lockdown, I have an idea.

Brighten your days with Rose!  Campaigns like “Think Pink” or #roseallday while not born out of boredom, actually make sense to those that enjoy wine.  Unlike her somewhat stuck up Red cousin or her pretentious White niece who’s always bragging about being the choice for before dinner drinks, Rose is easy going, relaxed, laisse faire.  With such a laid back attitude, it’s no wonder her popularity and versatility have soared.

Rose wines range from dry to sweet, pale pink, to salmon colour to dark, peony pink. A rosé (from French, rosé is a type of wine that incorporates some of the color from the grape skins, but not enough to qualify it as a red wine. It may be the oldest known type of wine, as it is the most straightforward to make with the skin contact method.

 As our weather warms up, Roses rise to the occasion pairing well with brunch, lunch inside or on a patio.  They go well with lighter salad meals, barbequed chicken, pork or fish.  They are perfect for a mid afternoon socially distanced visit with girlfriends in the driveway or on your deck.   Enjoying watching the sunset and the moon rise?  Pour some Rose and toast the moment!  And remember, real men drink pink too!

Here’s a selection of  5 Roses from around the world chosen by our Aligra Sommelier Ken Bracke for your sipping pleasure –

• Spier Rose   2020 a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir            $15.99
• Ogier Heritages Costes Du Rhone  2018   France                          $21.99
• Anna de Cordoniu Brut Rose Cava Sparkling Spain                       $17.99
• Del Cero Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie Ramato  Italy                         $20.49
• AB Valley Vinho Verde Touriga Nacional Rose DOC Portugal       $19.99

Aligra offers over two dozen styles of Rose wines in stock.  Drop by or give us a call.   Alberta Health guidelines in place, social distancing observed while shopping.  Curbside pick up and free home deliveries* available.

Mention you’re a Neighbour and save 10% on your purchases.

*Minimum order of $90 applies for home delivery in the West Edmonton area.