The Wine Idiot Reviews: Le Pépin Grenache Rosé, 2015 ($4.99)
I always hope that the bottom-shelf bottles that never seem to be out of stock at TJ's are good. Sometimes, they're atrocious, and sometimes they're incredible. And sometimes...they're solidly meh. Like this one!
I am wont to give rosé a lot of latitude as far as my criticism goes. When I'm drinking rosé, I'm not exactly looking to be challenged--I want something refreshing and easy-drinking and that's about it. So, like, this didn't blow my mind, but I ain't mad at it.
It smells alcohol-y in the glass, and my first taste went something like, "Oh not bad! Oh wait--meh." It's not tasteless like some rosés? Neither is it overly fruity, or particularly crisp. The only thing that really stands out is the tangy-ness. Like I would for sure enjoy this with a selection of cheeses at a picnic, because I imagine it would be really good at dissolving something like brie off the roof of my mouth. There's almost a grassy note in there, like a sauvignon blanc. So, while it's not a real winner like that Dark Horse Rosé, for five bucks it does the job.
In fact, my final note was, "It's tasty! Gonna drink it!"
Bottoms up, dear reader.
What the bottle says: "From the selection of grapes to the vinification and maturation processes, and ultimately to the final blending, this wine has been crafted with the utmost care and attention from our winemakers. Pale pink in color, it combines subtle aromas of white blossom fruit (peach) and sagebrush. Best as an aperitif or paired with grilled fish and Mediterranean cuisine."
What the Wine Idiot says: Hm. Peach and sagebrush. Yeah, actually, I don't disagree with that. I think this might be interesting to try with something like gyros, actually....
ABV: 12%
Who's responsible for this? Bottled by: La Compagnie Rhodanienne, Negociant-Eleveur, France. Imported by: Plume Ridge, Claremont, CA.
Do I need a corkscrew? Ooooh shit I can't remember and I threw away the bottle already. Sorry. Yes? Then you'll be pleasantly surprised if you don't.
What do smarter people say about it? HOLY MOLY Wine Enthusiast reviewed this and liked it! "Fresh and easy, this dainty rosé opens with fresh scents of strawberry, cherry, watermelon rind and soft orange blossom. The juicy palate offers more of the same in a clean and approachable manner, finishing short but refreshing. Drink up."
I was recently surprised that they had great things to say about that Bogle Essential Red that didn't knock my socks off, so I'm doubly surprised that IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. Either Wine Enthusiast is much more generous than I, or I may not be as good at this as Wine Enthusiast. I wonder which it is.
Should I bring it to a friend's house? Yes? But if they don't like it, blame Wine Enthusiast.
