In baseball, spring training is a series of practices and games preceding the regular season. New players tryout for positions and existing players practice. It's a time to see how everyone measures up before the season begins.
How does this relate to wine, you ask?
In wine, spring training is a time when we come out of our wine rut, tryout some new players, keep some of the old ones, and build a wine team to keep us happy through the sunny spring and summer months.
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Let's start with your pitcher and catcher; aka, the "battery" of your team. Just as a baseball team relies on the battery to work together to deliver consistent, reliable results, your "battery" wines should do the same. A dry rosé is one example. Rosés are affordable, consistently a crowd pleaser and deliver a light, fruity, floral fling that fits nicely in the glove of summer picnics and backyard BBQs. Most rosés are meant to drink young, and Grenache or Pinot Noir grapes are dominant varieties; however, other grapes come play too. Here are a few:
On the dry side (not sweet, but still fruity), try 2011 Vin Gris de Cigare from Bonny Doon with cherry, strawberry and floral scents and flavors. (this is pale blush color, but there are white grapes in this blend; hence the name "vin gris")
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If you, or the crowd needs something with a hint of sweetness (off-dry), try A to Z 2011 Oregon Rosé and catch strawberry, watermelon and pink peony pitches from this Sangiovese (san joe vay zay) grape.
Both of the aforementioned wines can usually be purchased at local stores.
If it's time to boost out of a rut or throw a curveball, try 2010 Clos Alivu Patrimonio. Patrimonio is a region within Corsica, France. It is made from a difficult to pronounce grape called Niellucciu. (Nee el o cheeu) There may be other ways to pronounce this Sangiovese-related grape, but give it your own spin. This wine is a dry rosé, with salmon-pink color that has refreshing cherry, anise and floral scents with unique flavors of citrus, minerals, and the sea; a very food friendly wine. Locally, you can find this at The French Cellar.
So you see, we have just begun to build our wine team. Stay tuned as l recruit more key players to fill the other necessary positions this season. In the meantime, grab some friends, try those rosés (or any wines) and comment to let me know what wine players make the cut on your team. And, anytime, please drop a comment if there is a wine you would like me to review for this season's team.
