Think Pink — Pause and Reflect
On February 24, the holds its annual “Wear Affair” fashion show luncheon fundraiser. The Noble Circle is a group of breast cancer survivors helping other women with cancer reclaim health through holistic methods. They have created an incredibly supportive, vibrant community — a true source of strength and hope.
My significant other’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer over three years ago. We have seen her frustrations and fears, and we’ve also seen her hope, laughter, and incredible demonstrations of spiritual and emotional strength. The group has been invaluable for she and her Noble Circle sisters as treatments continue.
I know few people who haven’t been touched by this disease. According to the Susan Komen foundation, a projected 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among American women in 2007. I encourage everyone, male and female alike, to learn about this disease and find a way to help. If you’re in the Dayton area, explore Noble Circle (http://www.noblecircle.org) and consider a contribution, the purchase of some raffle tickets, or perhaps a seat at the upcoming fundraiser. Most of all, give your love, prayers, energy, and hope to those around you.
In honor of the upcoming event and as a toast to these brave women, The Vine celebrates them with pink wines:
Concha y Toro Frontera 2005 Rosé — If you’re looking for a “starter rosé,” this wine is worth exploring. Frontera is the second label (if there is such a thing) of the already inexpensive Concha y Toro winery in Chile. While Frontera’s reds are better avoided, the rosé is halfway decent. I’d say it’s a good transition away from white zinfandel. There’s a nice berry nose and some sweetness and cherry to the taste – with just a touch of the acidity for which rosés are known. The finish is short and crisp. I could see this as a summer wine or paired with salmon or salad. $5-6.
Canto Perdrix 2004 Tavel — Tavel is one of the world’s most famous French rosés, hailing from the southern Rhone town of the same name. The bottles are embossed with the town’s distinctive “T” shield. If you’re seeking this one out, look for the bottle with the partridge on the label. (Canto Perdrix is “Song of the Partridge.”) On a quick glance, this very dark colored rosé could be mistaken for a light pinot noir. The Perdrix has a light, easy nose of cranberry and apple. It doesn’t have an acidic bite — more of a balance of fruit and tartness. Perdrix is very easy drinking, full of raspberries. Like most Tavel, the finish is fruity, dry, and lingers a long time. I’d have this with either a seafood stew or some steamed mussels or clams. A real palate pleaser. $13-15.
Bonny Doon 2005 Vin Gris de Cigare – This is an American version of a “Rhone style” rosé. “Vin Gris” is French for “gray wine” – a common name for rosé. The “Cigare?” One of Bonny Doon’s red wines is “Le Cigare Volant.” In French, the term for unidentified flying object translates literally as “The Flying Cigar.” The French town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape passed a city ordinance forbidding UFO’s from landing within town limits. Bonny Doon’s winemaker, Randall Grahm, has long welcomed UFO’s, thus the name of his red. His rosé is that red blended with white Grenache. The vin gris has a slightly yeasty nose of apples and flowers. The taste is nicely balanced with flavors of berries and honey. The finish is semi-dry, fruity, and lasting. You could have this with a salad niçoise or pick this up on a summer night and wait for the aliens to come. $11-13.
So, everyone, I ask you to lift a glass, take a moment for silent reflection, and appreciate how truly lucky we are to share in this life.
