Parish
War of the Rosés
RECEIVED Sun., Dec. 18, 2011
Dear Editor,
Mr. Marshall has once again made a simplistic statement concerning wines. A few months ago, he referred to a wine from Beaujolais as being from southern Burgundy. While technically correct, he failed to make note of the substantial distinctions between the red wines of Beaujolais (from the Gamay grape) and those of Burgundy (Pinot Noir). Now, he has said that American antipathy for dry Rosés is why a certain Rosé is hard to find. No, it is due to American ignorance of Rosé, thinking that all Rosés are like "blush" wines (the sweet Zinfandel crap sold in most supermarkets). Besides, not all Americans are this ignorant. Being a regular customer of the Austin Wine Merchant, I can assure you that it always has a substantial selection of dry Rosés from France (and elsewhere). These Rosés make the Texas summer much more tolerable. It is unfortunate that Austin restaurants are afraid to move into this area, apparently most of them being as ignorant of dry Rosés as are most Americans.
Mr. Marshall has once again made a simplistic statement concerning wines. A few months ago, he referred to a wine from Beaujolais as being from southern Burgundy. While technically correct, he failed to make note of the substantial distinctions between the red wines of Beaujolais (from the Gamay grape) and those of Burgundy (Pinot Noir). Now, he has said that American antipathy for dry Rosés is why a certain Rosé is hard to find. No, it is due to American ignorance of Rosé, thinking that all Rosés are like "blush" wines (the sweet Zinfandel crap sold in most supermarkets). Besides, not all Americans are this ignorant. Being a regular customer of the Austin Wine Merchant, I can assure you that it always has a substantial selection of dry Rosés from France (and elsewhere). These Rosés make the Texas summer much more tolerable. It is unfortunate that Austin restaurants are afraid to move into this area, apparently most of them being as ignorant of dry Rosés as are most Americans.
Bertrand Piboin
[Wes Marshall responds: Nothing in the wine world would make me happier than being able to find a good supply of robust dry Rosé in every restaurant and store in Austin, except maybe $10 Champagne. The Austin Wine Merchant is one of the reliable ones that does keep a nice stock of summer Rosés. Cheers.]
