Discover Walla Walla

One of my favorite places to visit in Walla Walla, is not too far from my house. In fact, it's the deck off of my living room. It's a quiet place where I can sit on one of two rocking chairs I purchased during a visit in Tennessee. These oak chairs, with woven seats and backs, were handcrafted by a Tennessee family that's been making rocking chairs for 150 years. Between the two chairs is an old Hungarian oak wine barrel. On the head of the barrel, I have placed a large round glass table top. It makes a very appropriate table for my evening glass of wine and my morning cup of coffee. One of the best features is below the deck. The deck is framed with an assortment of rose bushes. This time of the year, the fragrance from the roses waft up to the deck and it makes for a relaxing get-away from phones and computers.

Gertrude Stein said, "A rose is a rose is a rose." But when I think of my rose garden, I can't help from also thinking about rosés - - the wonderful summer sip that fills a glass in pastel shades of pink, light red, peach or even lavender. Rosés, rosados, or rosatos are fragrant and delicate wines made for the red wine lover who wants a taste of the red grape, but looking for the light crispness of a white wine - - making it a perfect summer sipper.

Last month, during Spring Release Weekend, many of the wineries in Walla Walla released their own versions of these pastel-colored summer sippers. But let me tell you, these lovely fair rouges are not anything like the California "Blushes" from the 1980's. Rosés from Walla Walla are aromatic, often fermented dry, including well balanced acidity, yet still leaving the signature of the grape, such as a Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and even Mourvèdre. The rosés of Walla Walla are catching on and once they are released, they can be difficult to find and increasing in popularity. And don't let the pink color fool you. These wines are not fragile, as they will hold up to spicy BBQ ribs and charcuterie plates of smoked meats and rich artisan sausages. If you can hang onto them until fall, they also make for a perfect pairing with the Thanksgiving turkey.

English playwright and politician, Richard B. Sheridan said, "Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you."

I say, "Won't you come to Walla Walla? I would like our rosés to see you."

Catie McIntyre Walker