Nosh: Love Potion #9

Love Potion #9

I can't remember the last time I drank a ros�, so I was of course intrigued by Becks and Posh's theme for WBW #9. I have never been a ros� drinker, under the spell of a misimpression I had of ros�s being mostly bland and sweet. But today I am a better person and I'll tell you why. I have not only banished my silly ideas about ros�s but I have become addicted. And it almost didn't happen.

On this bright and sunny day, I set out on my walk with Benny towards the Fasanerie, a biergarten surrounded by huge fields and forest. On the way, I checked the opening times at Jacques Wine-Depot. I've been wanting to try the shop for awhile but each time I go, it's closed --- a good example of the weird opening times of local shops in Germany (Monday+ Wednesday, 10 - 12 and 3-6, Friday, 12-3, and so on). It would be open at 3 so I planned to pop in on the return trip.

As I neared the biergarten, enjoying the sun, I began to think about the 9 Euro in my pocket. It'd been raining for the past week and would be so nice to sit in the biergarten. No, THINK PINK, I told myself. PINK not beer, PINK not juicy bratwurst and mustard. I veered from the biergarten but I have to tell you, it was close.

After a carefree romp among the dandelions, we headed back home. When I reached Jacques, I tentatively walked in with Benny in tow. What a nice surprise! The shop had a wine cellar feel, with cosy lighting, and all sorts of people were standing around tasting the wines that lined the walls. I walked and looked (dragging Benny) and there at the end were a selection of about 12 ros�s....invitingly pink and much more sophisticated-looking than I remember. Benny caught the shop-lady's attention and she came to fuss over him with complements and sweet talk. She asked me if I needed any help ... I told her that I was looking for a ros� but hadn't the slightest idea what I wanted. She asked me a few questions, then pulled two bottles from a nearby refrigerator, handed me two glasses, and left me to my tasting. I don't remember what the second wine was because once I tasted the Domaine du Gouyat, my life changed on the spot.

I'm in love!

This was not only a delicious wine, it might possibly be one of the best wines I have ever tasted. It's crisp ... it's dry ... it's a flavorful harmony of fruit and sun. After one, incredible sip, I knew this was the one. I walked home happily with my purchase.

We are still enjoying this watermelon-hued wine, and marvelling over how bright and perfumy it is. How tasty. How pretty. How new!

Thanks Sam, for laying the path to discovery!

Domaine du Gouyat 2004
Bergerac Rose
Vignobles Dubard, Fr�re et Soeur
�4.85 ($6.21)