Kentuckey Derby Saturday: Run for the Rosés

Mint juleps will be the drink of the day at Churchill Downs for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, but local wine shops will be featuring their own promotions, Run for the Rosés, will equal fervor.
Rosé wines are capturing the imagination — and palates — of more Americans and for good reason. They are light and refreshing wines for all summer party occasions.
Tastings of the most recent vintage of domestic and foreign rosé wines, ranging in price from $10 to $30, will be held at the following locations on Saturday:
• Tutto Bene Wine & Cheese Cellars, Prescott Street, downtown Lowell from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wine ConneXtion, 117 Main Street, North Andover, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Andover Classic Wines, Shawsheen Plaza, Route 28, Andover, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Here’s a partial list of wines available at some, but not all, locations:
• Miraval-Cotes de Provence 2013 —  A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle varietals. Light pale pink in color, soft notes of cherries and strawberry balanced with minerality and hints of saltiness.
• Laurent Miguel Pere et Fils 2014 — Cinsault and Syrah. Pink in color,  strawberry and blueberry fruit-forward.
• M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut 2014 — Cinsault and Grenache. Unique red fruit flavors. A crisp wine with a hint of citrus in the lingering finish.
• Domaine des Terrisses 2014 — Gamay and Syrah. Typical of rosé wines from the southwest of France, this wine has a deep hue and the flavors and structure of a light wine.
• LVP Pandora Vanderpump Pink Sangria — Bobal & Grenache. Berry and cherry flavors. A silky, floral and lush wine that can be enjoyed in any summer setting.
• Colene Clemens Rosé 2013 — Pinot Noir varietal. Pale pink hue, with flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, candied citrus rind, and a fresh briny tone.
• Terrasses Chateau Pesquie 2014 — Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Nice balance of exotic fresh fruit, berry notes and richness.
• Chateau Riotor 2013 — Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle. Vibrant salmon pink in color, vividly scented with apple, pear, yellow plum and peach.
• JCB N˚69 — Pinot Noir. Crisp and clean sparkling rosé from Burgundy. Peachy pink hues with dancing bubbles.
• Parallèle 45 2014 —Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah.Pink salmon color. Tart red berries and an attractive fresh finish. Great with goat cheese, light summer salads or grilled exotic fish.
• ZOE Skouras 2012 — Aghioghitiko and Moscofilero varietals. This Greek rosé is unique with dark pink color and bold bright berry flavors.
• Bouchard Aîné 2014 — Grenache and Cinsault. Fruit forward with hints of gooseberry and citrus.