Foodstuffs: Wölffer's Rosé Is Back And Clam Bar's Lobster Rolls Aren't Far Behind

It may still feel like winter out there, but here’s something that should cheer you up — Wölffer’s rosé season is back!

Ever since Wölffer Estate Vineyard started making wine, it has garnered a reputation for its delightful rosés. Wölffer’s mission is to create quality and sophisticated rosés that stand up to the very best, which is why winemaker Roman Roth relies on blending techniques to achieve the perfect balance for each and every vintage — including two that have just been released.

Don’t be misguided by the 2020 Summer in a Bottle Rosé bottle design. Despite its whimsical exterior, inside lays a purposeful, yet approachable rosé. Each Summer in a Bottle vintage brings Roth a new chance to capture the ripe fruit, and according to the vineyard, 2020 provided ideal growing conditions, giving every berry a chance to ripen perfectly. With nine grape varietals, Wölffer says this rosé has a lovely balance between the fresh fruit, fine tannins, good minerality and graceful acidity.

Here’s how the winemaker’s notes describe Wölffer’s 2020 Summer in a Bottle Rosé, which was officially released on March 6: “Bright shiny copper in color. The aroma is elegant with fine clean fruit notes of pears and apples but with a luxurious ripeness. The mouth-feel is vibrant and has lovely spiciness and a rich texture with fine tannins. It is livened up by nice acidity and a classic minerality and salinity.

“This dry rosé is very savory and has a long finish with creamy yeast and delicate chalk notes. This may be the most food-friendly Summer in a Bottle to date and is certainly the perfect summer wine!”

It’s suggested that the 2020 Summer in a Bottle Rosé be served chilled, solo or as a complement to almost any food. At cocktail parties, Wölffer suggests pairing it with hors d’oeuvres like smoked salmon, lobster, shrimp, carpaccio and soft cheeses. It can also complement main-course fish and pork dishes, and, though it is a visual and taste portrait of the Hampton’s high summer, at Thanksgiving, it pairs perfect with turkey.

The 2020 Estate Rosé, a Wölffer Gold Label wine launched February 5, is described by the vineyard as bringing complexity, great dimension and understated elegance. The Estate Rosé scored 90 points for Wine Enthusiast, and Wölffer says its brightness and acidity give a strong nod to the maritime climate that gives the unique characteristics to the grapes that lend to this wine’s final taste.

This was the rosé that started it all for the Wölffer brand.

The winemaker’s notes for the 2020 Estate Rosé read: “Shiny light rose in color. Elegant floral aromas with rose petals, orange, fresh melon, and ripe kiwi. The mouth-feel is light but with wonderful structure. This dry rosé is fruity and has fine minerality and acidity all creating the most beautiful balance. It is pure, refreshing and savory. The finish is classic with little saline quality and a lingering fruit with some crushed minerals.

“This rosé is lip-smacking good and has great esprit and sophistication. It is the perfect partner to food. Summer at its best!”

Food pairing notes suggest serving the 2020 Estate Rosé just chilled. Ideal for poolside or on a picnic, it pairs well with elegant hors d’oeuvres, such as smoked salmon, poached lobster, raw shellfish, beef or tuna tartare and soft cheeses. Or, suggests Wölffer, serve this versatile rosé with main-course dishes such as roast turkey, baked ham, and roasted or grilled pork, chicken or fish.

To order either of the newest rosés, visit wolffer.com, call 631-537-5106, or stop by Wölffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack. Shipping is free on all domestic orders of $100 or more and case discounts are up to 20 percent off.

Have you noticed? It may still be chilly, but every evening, the sun is staying up in the sky a little bit later than the night before, which can mean only one thing — that summer will soon arrive, and so will seafood favorites served up by The Clam Bar at Napeague.

The Clam Bar, a beachside perennial favorite, will officially open for the 2021 season on Friday, March 26. The Hamptons staple will, once again, be serving up its popular lobster rolls and more, Friday through Sunday, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Takeout and table service will be available, and the counter will be used for takeout only. The restaurant will be open seven days after Easter weekend.

As of now, the restaurant is operating weather permitting, call to confirm hours before you visit. Takeout orders can be placed online by visiting clambarhamptons.com or by calling 631-267-6348. Menu highlights include appetizers like tuna bits, New England and Manhattan clam chowder, clams on the half shell and Montauk pearl oysters. For entrées, choose from lobster salad roll, fish & chips, local steamers and lobster BLT.

Clam Bar at Napeague is at 2025 Montauk Highway in Amagansett. For more information, visit clambarhamptons.com.