Stepping Stone Rosé dances to its own beat

For my sister’s birthday party last weekend, I was assigned the task of bringing wine (it should come as no surprise that I insisted on this responsibility). It’s something I always do, whether I’m asked to or not (sometimes if only to guarantee there will be wine worth drinking). I brought six bottles to the party: two whites, two rosés (one sparkling), and two reds.

           

With its pretty pink hue and lively label, the 2012 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone “Corallina” Napa Valley Syrah Rosé ($20/bottle) was a huge hit. The name is a mouthful and so is the wine itself!

Gorgeous raspberry and wild strawberry scents burst from the glass with the same incredible intensity the acidity has on the palate. Juicy, ripe strawberry and red currant flavors dance delightfully along the taste buds. That being said, the painting featured on the label is called “Wine Dance”, by artist Janet Ekholm; the joyous energy it evokes and its bright colors match what’s inside the bottle perfectly. It might make you feel like dancing! 

Aged for five months in neutral French oak, this tasty wine is both complex and refreshing. The Corallina is quite unique in that the Syrah grapes are farmed with the intent of making a Provençal-style rosé; it's not a pink wine by default. It finishes bone-dry and you’ll notice a lingering desire for another sip.

Corallina makes an excellent party guest! (Even if she isn't around for very long.) This coral-colored wine was phenomenal with everything from the grilled chicken and vegetables to the fresh burrata cheese and balsamic-glazed asparagus as well as the tri-tip. It would also be terrific with seafood. I love rosé for it’s pairing potential, even when enjoyed with nothing more than a sunny afternoon and a comfortable place to sit.

This wine was received for review purposes from Cornerstone Cellars. Please order your Corallina Rosé here (it's on sale through 5/31/13 for only $16/bottle). Cheers!

Classic California Sparkling from Calistoga

As much as I love Champagne, California bubbly is oftentimes a better value and just as tasty, especially when it comes from Schramsberg Vineyards. If you’ve never toured the Schramsberg caves in the northern Napa Valley (Calistoga), I highly recommend it!

 

The 2010 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs ($37/bottle) is a fresh and delightful sparkler with pronounced notes of juicy white peach on the palate. It has celebration written all over it, with a price tag that in my mind that reads “any weekday occasion will do”. That being said, I felt the need to celebrate this glorious, summer-like weather and my expectant departure from my day job (soon I’ll have more time to write, yay!).

Made in the méthode Champenoise, this bubbly is made of 100% Chardonnay grapes. It exudes a slightly yeasty character and sexy, subtle nuances of almond skin, toast, and something tropical that I can’t quite put my finger on. It finishes with an air of complexity, a whisper of green apple, and a kiss of fresh-baked bread. This sparkler has a delicate effervescence that makes it an excellent aperitif and also a terrific pairing with a light meal. Schramsberg makes some of the best bubbles in the Napa Valley. But don’t take my word for it! Get yours here and let me know what you think. Cheers!