Grape Destinations: Rosé Wine by the Pool

The perfect weekend came just in time for a break. Sounds familiar? Of course it does, specially when you have a place near the sea in mind. I was really enjoying a mojito de parcha, (passion fruit mojito) by the pool at Copamarina in Guanica, when I saw a man with a glass of rosé wine looking out over the Caribbean.

Little by little, our society is growing an appreciation for other wines and we are tolerant in terms of new tastes. It’s not uncommon for male wine drinkers, not lovers, to relate rosés and whites with females. Ok by me, there will be more wines for my enjoyment, in this life or in another.

Wine with a View

Many think of Mojitos in Puerto Rico, but try the rosé | Photo: Amanda Díaz de Hoyo

That glass of wine, a rose by the sea, keeps my mind busy for some time. My mind raced as I remembered my favorite rosés: Muga, Sierra Cantabria, Montes Querub, and Whispering Angel. There are many others but somehow, two wines from Spain, one from Chile and the other from France mingled around in my mind. All of them are flat wines, no bubbles allowed. Perhaps because their specific consistencies and terroir, I kept their memories close at hand. 

The rosés from DOC Rioja, Muga and Sierra Cantabria are a blend of varietals: Viura, Grenache and Tempranillo. Montes Querub is made from Syrah while Whispering Angel from the South of France, is Grenache.

Rosé is Under-Appreciated

I didn’t really analyze it until now, but I all want in a rosé is consistency, good acidity, light body, dry and crispy. The best part of rose is the service temperature: cool and fresh.

Usually, a good rosé is palate friendly and you can pair it with light food. They are perfect for hors d’ouvre.

RELATED: Grape Destinations: Seize the Wine!

By the time I made it to Rincon, the best place to fall in love with sunsets, I still had all the coral hues of rosé in my mind. Some are more intense than others, from salmon, guava, to watermelon.  I trekked to the Lighthouse for the spectacular view while the afternoon chat focused on how the west coast of Puerto Rico is still struggling from hurricane Maria. They will make it, we will make it: the best lesson for all.

After sunset, we went to Tamboo for dinner. It is a small inn, very casual, right on the beach. It has a great view, a terrace and a lovely bar. Be aware that the road to Tamboo is narrow and winding but the view is breathtaking.  Easily one of the best places to see the sunrise along with Fajardo and Ceiba, Vieques or Culebra and Rincon.

A quick tip for first timers: In Puerto Rico, most hotels and restaurants have a wine cooler, a cava, to maintain the temperature and humidity under control. Many of them, outside de San Juan Metro area.

Use, as I did, a designated driver to enjoy your favorite wine, beer or cocktail.

– Amanda Díaz de Hoyo