The Cheese Shop of Salem

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Rosé for May!


Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, but not to worry - make way for rosé!

There’s nothing better than opening a chilled bottle of rosé at the park, on your porch, or at the beach on a warm day. Elevate your blissful outdoor rosé adventures by pairing your wine with cheese! Read on to learn what rosé we’re drinking this month and what cheeses to pair!

2020 Cantina Valenti 'Poesia' Etna Rosato

Giovanni Valenti’s 50-year old vines are located on Mt. Etna at one of the highest possible elevations. The Valenti family is adamant about utilizing organic practices, using only the tiniest amounts of sulfites in their wine, and avoiding all chemicals and herbicides. The entire Valenti clan is a huge fan of the arts, and their wines are named after some of their favorite operas and authors. ‘Poesia’ is a love poem to the bold grape Nerello Mascalese, which produces a rich and decadent rosé with elegant, pink floral aromas. Poesia boasts notes of Sicilian strawberry jam and a volcanic, smoky finish. Try pairing this mineral-driven, island wine to Brabander, a goat gouda with a smooth, fudgy texture and deep caramel notes.

2020 La Patience Rosé

Domaine de la Patience is located in the Costières de Nîmes in the southern Rhône Valley and is named after the untamed, aromatic herb ‘La Patience’ that can be found growing wild in vineyard. Christophe Aguilar, who runs this certified organic estate, has a soulful, deep connection with his terroir and vines. His blend of Grenache and Cinsault exudes a spiciness underneath a peachy fruitiness, making it the ultimate companion for your pool or picnic. This wine is lively and fresh with a long finish. Pair with a soft goat’s milk cheese like Tomme de Chèvre Cendré.

2019 Gvantsa's Aladasturi Rosé

Sisters Baia and Gvantsa Abuladze produce wines in the Imereti region of the Republic of Georgia, the birthplace of wine. Like many other Georgian producers, they employ winemaking methods that originated with their ancestors over 8,000 years ago. To make this wine, Aladasturi grapes are harvested and pressed according to lunar cycles and the earth’s rhythms; since the grapes are not de-stemmed before pressing, the wine has an added element of herbaceous, stemminess. It is dry, with aromas of red apple and rhubarb pie. The finish is clean, driven and precise. We love this rosé with Roccolo Valtaleggio, a chalky cow’s milk cheese from Italy whose earthy, creaminess balances the green-thumb vibe in the wine.