Serve a Rosé for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day meals will take many forms this weekend, but one versatile player that ought to be at the table no matter what you serve is a bottle of crisp, dry Rosé.

Local wine stores are stocking more selections of this varietal than ever, and merchants are usually full of recommendations about their latest favorites. It’s an exciting time to experiment.

Price range is usually $10-$15, although you can find some less than that as well. Rosés are the perfect wine for spring, for brunch or for warm evenings outside. And who can resist the pale pink hue at the table during the girliest of Hallmark holidays?

Here are some my favorites rosé pairings:

Crawfish. I know, beer is the go-to mate for boiled crawfish, but for those who prefer wine, a dry rosé is a nice option. It’s an even better match if you’re preparing crawfish etouffée, crawfish elegante or fried crawfish salad.

Asian-inspired fare. Dishes that have multiple flavor profiles (spicy, sweet, savory) are more challenging to pair with wine. Rosés fare well when it comes to many Asian dishes, especially sushi, noodle dishes, Asian chicken salads and others. The wine’s subtle fruit plays well with intense flavors without lying down completely.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres. I love a meal that involves multiple tapas-style dishes. Various cheeses, tartlets, mini-quiches, stuffed mushrooms, fresh crabmeat served on tiny spoons, terrines and pâtés all do well with rosés.