Chicago Sips: “Rosé All May” with Gage Hospitality Group

Spring and summer mean more than sunshine and warm breezes. It heralds the beginning of rosé season and you can bet that everyone is more than ready! My wine colleagues at Gage Hospitality Group in Chicago have arranged a delicious way to kick off this celebration on May 1 with special sips of rosé at all of their restaurants including Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar, Beacon Tavern, Coda di Volpe, The Dawson, and The Gage. “Rosé All May”? I’m in!

Established by Billy Lawless in 2007, Gage Hospitality Group was founded with the mission of providing a rustic, yet refined dining experience served with genuine hospitality. Every concept in the collection offers an individual personality with a chef-driven menu, curated beverage program and superior guest service. Since inception, the venues, chefs, and food and beverage menus have continually received critical acclaim and recognition for their commitment to creativity, quality and service. Gage Hospitality Group

Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to The Gage at 24 South Michigan Avenue so that I could chat and taste with Torrence O’Haire, Corporate Beverage Director and Sommelier for Gage Hospitality Group, in order to learn more about the “Rosé All May” offerings. What I discovered is this: the range of rosés offered by the glass, by the bottle and as specialty cocktails are enticing, distinctive and luscious paired with food from whichever menu you choose, good friends and yes, the warmth of a new, joyful season. For specific selections offered by the restaurants, please click here.

Torrence O’Haire has a mission to “take care of people and wine is one way to do that.” He considers himself a “wine socialist” whereby it doesn’t matter what you spend… just drink a bottle of wine that will make you happy and satisfied. To that end, the eclectic selections of rosé on the restaurant menus are international in scope, offered at different price points and are of varied styles for those who desire a still, sparkling, sweet or dry wine… or a cocktail.

Paired with a cheese, fruit and almond platter and Fava Bean Falafel with whipped feta, leccina olives and Italian parsley at The Gage, Torrence poured sips of four glorious rosés that are offered by the glass for around $12.

The first was 2016 Feder Stahl Spark of Scheurebe blended with a touch of Pinot Noir. Light, highly aromatic and balanced with just a hint of sweet, this low alcohol sparkling rosé from Germany was a wonderful choice with which to begin the tasting.

Next, a glass of Royal Marine Sparkling Rosé, a blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Rolle (also known as Vermentino), was poured. Dry with mouthwatering acidity and notes of spice, red berries and ripe tropical fruit, this unique bubbly from Provence offered a refreshing, zesty finish. Complementing the Fava Bean Falafel, this was a distinctive, luscious choice.

A rosé of mostly Syrah (with only 3% Zibibo grape), this selection from Sicily, Poggio Anima “Raphael” Rosé of Syrah 2017, offered plenty of body, aromatics and a broad, rich palate profile. Complement a dish of chicken with capers or any item that begs for a flavorful and rich rosé.

Our last wine was Marland Rosé of Cabernet Franc 2018 produced by a winery located just south of Saugatuck, Michigan. I was duly impressed. Boasting an elegant, Old World style, this rosé from estate grapes was dry, balanced and structured. As a bonus, it also paired beautifully with House Poutine with cider braised pork shoulder, pork gravy, Wisconsin cheese curd and jalapeno, Fish and Chips and a Caesar Salad at The Gage later that evening as I dined with a good friend.

Torrence remarked that “our world of food and drink expands with new experiences. Discovering new rosé wines are just part of that experience.” Of course! When you find yourself in Chicago this spring, explore the variety of rosé wines at The Gage (24 South Michigan Avenue) or other Gage Hospitality Group restaurants and expand your palate. Why?  It’s “Rose All May!”

Cheers! ~ Cindy