With spring here and summer fast approaching, it seems only right to welcome the warm weather with a refreshing glass of rosé! From sidewalk cafés to pool, beach and everything in between, the 2017 vintage is just the thing. There are several expressions from incredibly diverse regions of origin that are worth exploring. And remember: while the fresh vintages are ready now and prime for drinking, rosé is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Here are a few of our favorites:
Provence, France
Provence has prompted a rosé revolution! It is the best known rosé-producing area in the world, and 88% of the wine produced here is rosé. Provencal rosé tends to be elegant, finessed and full of flavor, marked by its fresh, crisp and signature dry style.
Jean-Luc Colombo, Cape Bleue Rosé 2017
A blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre, grapes undergo the traditional “saignée” method, with a 10 hour cold soak until desired color achieved. Cape Bleue Rosé is known for its subtle hints of peach, rose petal, watermelon and tropical fruit, resulting in the perfect dry rosé that is still manages to be round and full on the palate.
Languedoc, France
Much like Provence, Languedoc has an established tradition of producing excellent rosé wines. Bordering the Mediterranean and stretching from the Rhône Valley to Roussillon, varied soil types and climates result in distinctive terroirs. The style in Languedoc is mostly dry and fairly full-bodied, with concentrated fruit flavors.
Côté Mas, Rosé Aurore 2017
Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes are sourced from 12 privately owned estates situated amongst the rugged landscape of the Languedoc in southern France. An authentic example of its origins, Rosé Aurore is bursting with warmth and beauty, offering a rich, smooth palate with concentrated flavors of ripe red fruit and well balanced acidity.
Loire Valley, France
Over half of the wine produced in the Loire Valley is not white wine, but delicious rosé - the kind that is meant to be chilled and quaffed. Often with a touch of natural residual sugar, these rosés are excellent accompaniments to wide range of cuisines all year long.
Saget La Perrière, La Petite Perrière Rosé
100% Pinot Noir, this beautiful rosé is produced by the Saget family- ninth generation producers in the region. The La Petite Perrière Rosé delivers extremely high quality at an exceptional value. The palate is supple, light and fresh and the finish offers a pleasant softness enhanced by a light vivacity. Aromas of raspberry and grenadine make this rosé perfect to drink as an aperitif with summer salads.
Sicily and Trento, Italy
Italian rosé has been gaining in popularity, with a diversity of still and sparkling styles that are tailor-made for food pairing. With bright acid balanced by ripe fruit flavors and a trace of minerality, these should be on your radar and in your rotation.
Planeta’s Rosé is made from Syrah and Nero d’Avola, a blend that evokes the feeling of a Sicilian summer. The fresh aromas of strawberry and pomegranate are smooth and soft on the palate, with a well-balanced acidity. The Planeta family has been making wine throughout Sicily for generations, and their unique grasp of the diverse Sicilian terroir results in a well-executed wine perfect as an aperitif with tapas, crudo, and fresh salads or seasonal fruit.
If you’re looking for a complex sparkling rosé, look no further than Ferrari Rosé Trento DOC. As a 22-time Tre Bicchieri recipient, Ferrari has earned an international reputation for premier traditional method sparkling wines. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Trentino region go through the “metodo classic” production process to create an alluring rosé that exudes fresh floral notes, wild strawberry, red currants and sweet delicate almonds, against a complex backdrop of toasty notes.
Rioja, Spain
Tempranillo rosés from the Rioja region and other parts of Spain are unique. They tend to offer a more savory style marked by herbaceous notes, and some are marked by floral notes from the Graciano grape or ripe fruit from Garnacha.
Faustino is the country's leading producer of fine wines from Rioja and one of the most celebrated names in modern Spanish winemaking. With 1,625 acres of vineyards, Faustino's wines are all estate-grown and bottled. Grown on chalky soil, Faustino’s rosé is clean and bright, with red fruit aromas that really stand out. Their rosé has a medium body that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken and pork, or cold summer salads and grilled vegetables.
Colchagua Valley, Chile
Colchagua Valley is an under-the-radar region for rosé, mainly known for producing full-bodied reds. Rosé from the Colchagua Valley has a distinctive, snappy acidity and is dry, yet fruity and ripe for discovery!
Los Vascos, Rosé
Estate grown and bottled, Los Vascos rosé is made from grapes which are pressed immediately after harvesting. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah delivers a refreshing and well-balanced rosé that is fresh and fruity with hints of yellow apple, strawberry and cherry. The Syrah lends a slight spicy note and adds body to the wine.