For those of you that are actually self isolating, or in quarantine, you’ve made it one week! Yay!

I must admit that today was difficult. I’m not even in quarantine, but I didn’t go to work today, so I felt a bit lost. And, here’s another confession: I’ve been in lounge pants all day – aka, jammy bottoms! The weather is not helping either. It’s pushing April and it’s still really cold outside! The sun was behind the clouds all day, and it was just…bleak. This whole thing makes me think of being on a farm in the middle of winter when it’s blizzarding and -40 outside. You’re stuck there. Fun times.

So to beat those the-calendar-says-it’s-spring-but-it’s-really-still-winter blues, let’s talk about rosé! Still increasingly popular, I’m not one to only drink rose in summer, rather all year round, as one should. However, there is still something that evokes a sunny day when one drinks rosé!

The Dal Cero family has certainly made their mark here in Alberta these last few years! The Ramato they currently produce is likely one of the top selling pinot grigios in the province for sure! But today my isolation wine is the Miralý, their rosé made from Sangiovese and Syrah, (plus a hint of Vermentino) and produced at their property in Tuscany (Tenuta Montecchiesi). FYI, the family is from Soave (Veneto), where their original property is, but also property in Cortona, and also in Valpolicella (Veneto). Fun fact: Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed in Cortona, which is the area in Tuscany known for growing Syrah. I must say that is is one of my favourite rosés, perfect for drinking all year round! You can find it for around $24 CAD.

The first thing you notice is of course the beautiful pale pink colour. Then the floral aromas of this rosé are quite mesmerizing. Throw in some red currant, tangerine, grapefruit and wild strawberry aromas and there’s no way you’re not going to have a sip! Great minerality, mouthwatering acidity and more red fruit flavours along with some wild dried herbs. It’s completely balanced with a super long finish. I love this wine (probably even more than the Ramato!) Then, if you want to kick it up a notch, go for the big sister the Versý, made from pretty much mostly Syrah, with a touch of Vermentino for freshness. Even lighter in colour than Miralý, it has layers and layers of complexity with the aromas and flavours changing after every sip. Peaches, pears, melons, floral aromas of rose and honeysuckle, and that vein of minerality. A serious rosé to be sure! It’s also something you might want to share with someone like-minded as it’s about $45 CAD…not your everyday drinking rosé.  But then again…if in isolation, why not bring out the good stuff, as you may not have another chance! Have a great evening and Salute!