If you aren’t drinking Rosé, you’re missing out. Made from a range of varieties like strawberry-filled Pinot Noir, to robust Malbec and Mourvedre, to the herbal wines of Provence, these standouts should be sipped all summer. (Some were sent for editorial consideration. All wines are available at Total Wine or Wine.com unless otherwise noted.)
Celebrating their 45th anniversary, Napa Valley’s Chandon has released the first wines from Winemaker Pauline Lhote, who brings a new approach and style to the wines, focusing on balance, structure, and freshness. Her 45th anniversary Brut Rosé ($25) layers apple, raspberry, and brioche.
For classic Champagne lovers, Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2009 Champagne ($100) toasts an exceptional year, as the vintage sparkler is only made when conditions are perfect, creating the ideal expression of the historic Champagne House. Elegant and expressive, layering red berry with fig, cherry, and spice.
The glamourous influencers summering along the French Riviera have made Rosé the staple of Provence. France’s oldest wine region also boasts some of the best wine sales, as around eighty-five percent of the wine made in the historic region is sold locally. From Bandol to Cassis to Cotes de Provence, picturesque landscapes are filled with luscious Rhone varieties producing refreshing wines that pair ideally with Mediterranean fare. From well-distributed brands like Whispering Angel and Miraval to more refined options like favorite Domaine Ott, Rosé from Provence signals summer is here.
Chef and owner, Joachim Splichal, produces distinct, terroir-driven wines for Domaine de Cala, like his Classic Rosé ($16, at Whole Foods) highlighting the floral freshness of Provence, with lilac, lavender, and herbal notes.
The original Rosé of St. Tropez, Chateau Minuty M de Minuty ($22) layers apricot, tangerine and candied orange peel, creating a juicy, inviting palate.
Made in a Provencal style, but in California, Malene Wines is devoted to Rosé, producing several expressions from vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County. From their Malene Cuvee ($22) to their complex Old Vine Grenache Rosé ($35) from a single block of 44-year-old-vines, their wines should be enjoyed as effortless aperitifs and paired throughout the meal. (Available via their website.)
Rosé of Pinot Noir is a constant go-to for me, with some of the best coming from Willamette Valley, Oregon, like ruby-red-grapefruit filled Stoller Rosé ($25), white peach filled Willakenzie Rosé ($23), watermelon and orange blossom filled, organic Sokol Blosser Rosé ($25), and bright, fresh strawberry and tangerine filled Portlandia Rosé ($20).
Domaine Serene keeps their blend proprietary for their “r“Rosé X ($30), meaning what varieties included in their vibrant selection aren’t available, but the balanced, delicious wine has beautiful texture. (Via their websites.)
From New Zealand, where Pinot Noir is the go-to red, producers like Kim Crawford, Matua, and Wither Hills are crafting affordable, delicious Rosé with juicy red fruit and tropical notes, riper in style than some from other parts of the world, all priced between $12-$15.
Napa’s Ladera Vineyards produces a gastronomic, blackberry and spice filled Rosé of Malbec ($30) from their vineyards high atop Howell Mountain. (Via their websites.)
Sicily’s Tasca D’Almerita family crafts a similar gastronomic wine, meant to be enjoyed throughout the meal. Their Regaleali Le Rose Terre Siciliane ($15) layers ripe red and black fruit with fragrant wild roses. Tuscany’s Aia Vecchia Solidio ($14) is a fruit-forward Rosato with peach, nectarine, and golden cherries.
The large Paso Robles AVA (now divided into 11 sub-AVAs) grows everything from Bordeaux to Rhone to Italian to Spanish reds, making it a playground for producing interesting Rosé wines. Chronic Cellars Pink Pedals Rosé ($15) blends Grenache with Syrah creating layers of peach, melon, and cherry. Rabble Rosé of Syrah ($15) bursts onto the palate with watermelon, strawberry and kiwi notes.
Just past Paso Robles, Edna Valley Vineyard ($16) produces a subtle, soft Rosé with red berry, lychee, and spice.
