Summer is unofficially here, and that means it’s rosé season. Although we secretly never stopped sipping rosé, June is also Rose Month, giving us another excuse to pop open a bottle of our favorite blush colored beverage. The following wines are diverse in style-a true representation of the variety of tastes and experiences that rosé is all about. Expect the unexpected, because that is what rosé is all about!
Alie 2018 (SRP $21): Alìe 2018 pale pink color with peach nuances immediately expresses its intriguing personality. The sharp and unmistakable bouquet floods the senses with intoxicating Mediterranean aromas that meld with the fragrances of fresh and ripe fruit. September peach bursts forth followed by floral notes with subtle scents of rose. The result is an extremely mellow, fine and elegant nose. In the mouth, the fruity notes return, with the addition of captivating touches of citrus such as pink grapefruit. Little by little, a tangy undertone elegantly makes its entrance into this whirlwind of flavor sensations. Alìe 2018 is full, silky and deep, with an after-taste that explodes in a succession of fresh and persistent aromas
Bonterra Organic Rosé 2019 ($16)
The perfect bottle or enjoying outdoors, on a boat (social distancing, of course) and in your backyard, Bonterra’s new 2019 Rosé has two great options for you (SRP $16, shipping nationwide).
A Grenache-based blend that exudes aromas of ruby red grapefruit, red cherry and watermelon while flavors of pomegranate, red berries and a white peach are on the palate, you can find it in a 750ml bottle, or, if a glass of wine isn’t hitting the spot for happy hour, opt for the canned variety or you can also turn Bonterra Rosé into a refreshing twist on a Frosé. $17.99 for a 4-pack of 250ml cans; from Mendocino, California.
Cakebread Cellars Vin de Porche Rosé 2019 (SRP $28)
From one of our all-time favorite producers, Vin de Porche (pronounced ‘Porch’, not ‘Por-chay’) is a traditional dry rosé. Made from 93% Pinot Noir and 7% Syrah for color and structure, the 2019 vintage reveals delicate aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry and rose petals. On the palate, well-defined ripe raspberry, white peach, and melon are balanced and supported by bright acidity. Fermentation is in stainless steel, with a brief aging period in neutral oak and stainless.
True to its name, this wine is meant to be enjoyed well-chilled, while seated in a rocker, on a porch swing, or deep within a wicker easy chair. Pair with cold pasta salads, fresh seasonal fruit tarts, or just about any seasonal favorite.
Cameron Hughes LOT 723, 2017 Arroyo Grande Valley Rosé (SRP $9)
Although wine négociant Cameron Hughes small lot supply usually runs out, this rosé is still available, and now for a steal at $9 a bottle. We reviewed this wine in our Wines of the Week column not too long ago, and highly recommend picking up a bottle or two before its gone. On the palate, this rosé is incredibly easy to drink. Juicy, ripe strawberries are complemented by bright red cherries, stone fruits, and high minerality, along with a hint of sweetness. It finishes long with clean, crisp acidity.
Domaine Houchart Rosé 2019, $15.99
A self-described ‘un-put-down-able’ 90-point crowd-pleasing rosé wine that’s not only less than $18, but it’s also been named a ‘Top 100 Best Buy’, in 2018 and 2019 in Wine Enthusiast.
A family-run affair, Domaine Houchart is located at the foot of Mount St. Victoire near Aix en Provence and part of the new, elevated appellation ‘St. Victoire’. Houchart Rosé is known for its out-of-this-world freshness, and is a classic Provencal blend that’s attractive, full and ripe, bursting with berry and peach notes. The vineyard is now run by CEO Florence Quiot, an inspirational woman in wine and the 13th generation of the legendary winemaking family, along with her brother, head winemaker, Jean-Baptiste.
Regarding the 2019 vintage, “The aging on lees suited the 2019 year superbly and lengthened the mouth and finish” says Ms. Quiot. Cultivated from 222 acres of clay and limestone, Houchart Rosé’s special freshness comes from the unique method of harvesting, where the grapes are immediately placed in gondolas filled with CO2 gas and covered with thermal blankets, to exclude oxygen and keep the grapes cool under the hot Provençal sun.
ENATE Rosado (SRP $14): From the Somontano region in Spain, introducing Enate Rosado. The Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated with meticulous care in Enate’s vineyards until reaching optimum ripeness, expresses its full potential in this mono-varietal wine. Intensely fruity on the nose revealing aromas of blueberry, raspberry and pepper. The first sensation on the palate is one of mouth-filling meatiness, yet thanks to its beautifully balanced acidity it develops into a lively and easy-drinking wine. Its evolution on the palate is magnificent and is rounded off with a long and flavorsome finish with lingering varietal aromas. Buy online.
La Crema 2018 Monterey Pinot Noir Rose (SRP $25): Aromas of Mandarin, pink grapefruit and guava. Flavors of watermelon, strawberry and blood orange are complemented by undertones of minerality. Delicate, crisp, and vibrant, this wine is 100% Pinot Noir, with five different clones, including Pommard. The cool climate appellation in Monterey has much of its weather influenced by maritime weather, with the wine also resting on its lees for up to 3 months prior to blending and bottling.
Long Meadow Ranch Rose of Pinot Noir 2019, Anderson Valley (SRP $25):
Brilliant pale pink in hue, the aromas from this Rose of Pinot Noir jump out of the glass with intermixing notes of strawberries and peach. It is full-bodied, yet remains light and mouthwatering. Elegant notes of citrus combine with a floral, spicy core, and a bright finish that keeps you coming back for more.
A pioneer in organic, sustainable, integrated farming as a joint operation, Stony Hill Vineyard and Long Meadow Ranch continue to advance the Stony Hill legacy of minimalist winemaking and restrained style, honoring the bright, mineral backbone of Stony Hill’s wines.
In addition to their winery, Long Meadow Ranch operates a general store and wine tasting bar in the historic Logan-Ives House, an outdoor cafe, a farmer’s market, and an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, all located at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch.
Marshall Davis Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir 2019 (SRP $25):
This dry yet fruity small batch rosé, is one of our top picks from Oregon, and annually sells out with just a few hundred cases produced. The rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir from Marshall Davis’s estate vineyard, just a few miles north of Carlton in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of the Willamette Valley. They have a specific block of the vineyard purposely farmed just for rosé. Flavors of tart cherries and candied lime peel are present, along with aromas of cherries and citrus blossom. A dry, entirely refreshing rosé for warm weather sipping.
Peyrassol Cuvée de la Commanderie Rosé 2019 ($24.99):
Behind this wine’s pale salmon pink color, the blend of Cinsault, Grenache and provide elegant stone fruit flavors of peach and apricot, as well as green pepper, cinnamon, baking spice and medium tannins, along with a light body. The finish is crisp and refreshing with a touch of minerality.
The winery is spread over 2,400 acres, and is a wonderful natural environment where vines, olives, white oak, truffle oak and scrubland create a carefully protected ecosystem. 90% of their viticulture is devoted to rosé wine making.
Oak Farm Vineyards 2019 Grenache Rose (SRP $24): This is a Provence style Grenache Noir Rose which carries aromas of grapefruit and melon with soft floral notes of jasmine and rose. On the palate, the wine is very delicate and bright with flavors followed by a crisp acidity and a smooth finish. The label-free bottle is striking, allowing the pale blush color of the wine to stand out.
Rosé Water, Loire Valley (SRP $13.99-16.99/6 pack of 8.5 oz cans):
A rather unusual, yet interesting new product is Rosé Water, from France. It’s a dry rosé combined with sparkling water sourced from the Austrian Alps and France, with wine from the heart of the Loire Valley. Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc grapes are blended to create a wine cocktail of sorts with low calories, zero sugar, and nothing artificial added. If you’re a wine spritzer fan, this is your summer go-to.
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Rose (SRP $29):
Sporting a shimmery rose gold label, this salmon-colored sparkler from California’s Anderson Valley, this wine offers flavors of fruity raspberry jam and wild strawberries, elevated by fine bubbles and a thirst-quenching, acid-driven finish. Cool ocean fog warms the sunny valley where these vines grow, creating the perfect environment for exceptional wine growing.
2017 Sterling Vineyards Aluminum Bottle Rosé, SRP $7.99
An elegant pale salmon pink color, Sterling Vineyard’s rosé exhibits aromas of strawberry, cherry blossom, rose petal and crisp apple via cold-soaked Pinot Noir grapes. For sipping on the go, Sterling Vineyard’s Aluminum range provides a durable alternative to glass that can withstand any wrapping-paper job while still preserving the quality of the wine. Topped with a screw-cap, these bottles are a gift that’s ready to be enjoyed as soon as it’s opened. The cooler-friendly, gorgeously giftable ½ bottles (375 ml) are available in Rosé, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Great Brain Cell Sacrifice Rosé 2019 (SRP $29):
A wine brand founded so that every bottle sold helps kids in underfunded communities learn to read. TGBCS is now directing all donations to provide children with much-needed literary resources while they’re out of school to support them in their journey to literacy.
For every six bottles sold, a ‘home library’ of six books will go to the children who need them most — those in isolation who are in homes without books, who currently have no access to their schools or libraries, and may not for the rest of the school year.
The Great Brain Cell Sacrifice produces an organically-farmed Pinot Noir-an elegantly textured wine from top Santa Barbara producer Lieu Dit, and what comprises the varietals for their 2019 Rosé, made from excess Pinot Noir juice (with a tongue in cheek reference to the wine as ‘kind of recycled’). The color is a very pale pink, with a slight rose blossom aroma, giving way to clean melon, stone fruit, and orange peel flavors. TGBCS offers FREE shipping on six bottles or more, and free same-day delivery to Los Angeles.
Tussock Jumper Moscato Rosé, (SRP $11.99):
This spritzy, sweet rosé wine made from Moscato grapes and a touch of Grenache is an ideal choice for pairing with sweet summer foods and fruit salads. Notes of mandarin oranges, rose petals, and juicy melon will transport you to the Mediterranean coast, while balanced acidity rounds out a mouthwatering finish, preventing the wine from being overly sweet. (PS, this wine gets stolen at parties, so be sure to get extra for yourself!)
