I haven’t had many rosé wines this year, especially considering the seasonable weather that promotes the sanguine wines; I’m not really sure if I could explain the dearth. I am an active promoter of these ruddy wines, trying to prod more men to lighten up about imbibing Rosados, and convince more women to not think that every bottle of rosé I sell them is sweet. Although I hadn’t purchased a bottle of rosé all season I discovered an older vintage of vin gris tucked behind a few cases while rummaging through my cellar.

My surprising find—2009 Domaine Gioielli Rosé—became my thesis for that night’s dinner. Based on the complexion of my Corsican seven-fifty I was thinking salmon, asparagus and fingerling potatoes for that night’s bill of fare—these happened to be the very ingredients I was planning on using for dinner anyway, so it seemed to work out well!

I scored the foil, uncorked the vessel, and let pour the slightly tangerine-hued contents. A few swift spins in the stemware and I smelled for fault, not detecting any. After a very short time airing out, I smelled again, detecting an eye-opening amount of apricot atop earth and minerals. I thought that the fruit would start to fade since it wasn’t consumed during the bottle’s infancy. More alluring with every scent, it continued to open up through the dinner.

On the palate it was like a summer fruit smoothie with hints of shrubbery and wood that were perfectly integrated, stretching out across the tongue. The acidity carried a mouthwatering effect and the finish was impeccable. The Corsican wine found a way to tame the asparagus while melting flawlessly with the savory fillet. If anyone were on the fence about rosé, or its magical powers, I would have to recommend this bottle as a catalyst for further discovery.