Wine Line: Summer calls for a nice rosé

Last week, the Navigator did it again. She plotted the correct course to the Hot July Nights Rosé Tasting at O’Brien’s Market.

The Navigator is good. I know, I’ve been following her directions for almost 47 years. The tasting was perfect, eight rosés, great nibbles, friendly people and, best of all, the coolest night of summer. My two favorites were the French 2014 Mas Champart Saint-Chinian and the 2014 Hatcher Cinsault from Calaveras County, both under $14.

Dry rosé has become one of the hottest trends in wine. According to a Nielsen Report, the above-$8 rosé category was up 34 percent in the 52 weeks ending May 23. The pink event of the year will be on Aug. 1 at SIMI Winery in Healdsburg. More than 25 gold medal winning rosés’ will be poured along with tasty noshes and live music. If you drink pink, you should go. If you need them, I’ll send you the Navigator’s directions. You can get more information and tickets at roserendezvous.bpt.me.

More best of show State Fair winners

McManis Family Vineyards took two best of show awards for their 2013 River Junction Viognier (Gold) and their 2013 Jamie Lynn Vineyards Barbera (Double Gold). Korbel’s Blanc de Noir also won the best of show for sparkling wines (Double Gold). Congratulations!

What’s on our table

Readers have asked why I don’t recommend many chardonnays in this section. Finding a well-balanced chardonnay under $20 is not easy. Many tend to be over-ripe, over-manipulated and are so rich they overpower food.

I have found that excellent chardonnays fall into what I call “splurge” or special occasion wines. I like to take them to dinner parties or open them on important dates, like anniversaries.

Here are four well-balanced chardonnays I’ve enjoyed this year; the 2013 Cuvaison Kite Trail ($44), the 2013 Castello di Amorosa Napa Valley ($29), the 2012 Fritz Russian River Valley ($25) and for those who prefer un-oaked chardonnays, the Kim Crawford 2014 New Zealand ($17). One of my favorite special occasion/splurge red wines is the 2013 Terra d’ Oro Deaver Vineyard Zinfandel ($30). The Vineyard is one of the original zinfandel plantings in Amador, consisting of 136-year-old vines. Wow. These wines are worth the hunt. Cheers!

The Fifth Annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the Grocery Outlet ends on July 31. In addition to those good wine deals, buy a $5 bag of food that will be donated to a local charity and do your part to help fight hunger in your community.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 11:20 AM with the headline "Wine Line: Summer calls for a nice rosé."