Maison No. 9

This wine is called Maison No. 9 and is a Provence Rosé that uses Grenache grapes. The place of origin is the Vin de Pays region in France and the vintage year is 2020. Online this wine is listed around $18-22, but I purchased it in the under $10 section at Vintage Cellar (regrettably I forgot to ask for a receipt). 

 Wine critic Natalie Maclean reviewed this wine and said it is a "medium-bodied, aromatic Rosé with attractive notes of strawberry and melon. Lovely as a chilled aperitif or companion to seafood". She also said in a more in-depth review, "This rose is aromatic and pretty, with notes of strawberry, lime and orange with slightly floral aromatics. Dry, to slightly off-dry, medium bodied and smooth on the palate, with vibrant citrus and berry notes and a slight tart note on the finish. Nicely balanced. Enjoy with charcuterie". Her blog can be viewed at: https://www.nataliemaclean.com/wine-reviews/maison-no-9-rose-2020/326114

Wine Folly says that Grenache produces "rich, flavorful red wines as well as deep, ruby-tinted Rosé". (although this wine is more of a salmon color Rosé) It is the most important variety in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhone/GSM blend. "The high intensity flavors of Grenache match roasted meats and vegetables that include exotic spices". According to the book, it has flavors of stewed strawberry and grilled plum with notes of leather, dried herbs and blood orange. It should be served in a red glass at 60-69*F, decanted for 30 mins and can remain in the cellar for 5-10 years. (pg. 117)

When I went to Vintage Cellar to purchase my first wines, I really had no idea what I was doing, despite watching all the lectures up until this point. However they were very helpful, allowing me to try this wine as a litmus test to see what else I would like. I asked about sweet wines, but I tried this one and actually enjoyed it despite it being dry and not very sweet. The first and most noticeable flavor to me was actually of fresh acidic (slightly bitter) strawberry with a dry aftertaste, and I didn't taste much else. This was not a sweet wine. I think there was more depth in the smell of the wine to me than in the taste, with aromas of strawberry and undertones of florals, but this could also be attributed to my undeveloped palate for wine, as I have never really had wine prior to this class. A flavor that I didn't pick up on until reading the wine critic's review is the citrus, because I thought that wine was just supposed to be a bit bitter and acidic and that that was the alcohol (but I know from the lectures now that the alcohol doesn't actually really contribute to the flavor as it in its purest form is flavorless). I did not have this wine with any food.

In conclusion, I actually really enjoyed this wine compared to my few experiences in the past, and it really got me excited to try more wines in the future! 8/10.