Heat wave ushering in the start of summer? Perfect time to reach for a rosé. Crisp, dry and refreshing, these pink-tinged wines are food-friendly and pair perfectly with a range of summer fare.
Rosé wines are produced around the world in a range of hues and styles from many different grapes. But not all of them are worthy of a place on your table.
I recently gathered with my local tasting group to evaluate three dozen newly released rosés from around the world. The salmon-pink Provence-style rosés garnered the highest praise, but other regions in southern France, Oregon and Argentina were also popular.
Here are our seven favorites:
Chateau Maris 2023 Rosé — France
An exceptional, delicious value rosé made from organically grown syrah and grenache grapes from the foothills of the Black Mountains near Carcassonne in southern France. It’s dry and refreshing, evoking sunny days on the Mediterranean, brimming with fresh red fruit notes and a hint of orange zest on the finish. Also available in cans, perfect for days on the beach, boating or poolside. ($17; all nine Taste locations)
Gérard Bertrand 2023 ‘Côtes des Rosés’ — France
Like summer in a bottle, this delicious rosé from the Languedoc region of southern France has been our go-to summer sipper for years. It’s dry, light and crisp with flavors of sweet red berries and watermelon. Perfect for evening sipping or paired with salads and light dishes. ($13; widely available)
Couly-Dutheil 2023 Chinon Rosé — France
Hailing from the Loire Valley of France, this delicious rosé is made from 100% Cabernet franc grapes. Hints of spice add complexity to this fresh red berry-inflected rosé. It’s a sturdy rosé that pairs well with pizza or grilled meats. ($23; widely available)
Benjamin Taillandier 2023 Six Rosés — France
A blend of syrah, Cinsault and aramon, this is a lively, dry rosé offering notes of watermelon, rose petals and hints of strawberries. ($23; The Pink Dinghy, Virginia Beach)
Domaine Bousquet 2023 Rosé — Argentina
Made from organic grapes grown in Argentina’s Uco Valley of the Andes mountains. This light-bodied rosé is super drinkable and flavorful, bursting with notes of red berries and a delightful citrus zest finish. ($15; widely available)
Stoller Vineyards 2023 Willamette Valley Rosé — U.S.
Beautiful pale pink, this rosé from Oregon’s Willamette Valley is like summer in a bottle. Refreshing and vibrant with flavors of fresh strawberries and melons with a zingy finish. ($28, StollerWineGroup.com.) For another delicious, fruit-forward Oregon rosé made from pinot noir, consider Brooks Wine’s 2023 Rosé ($28; BrooksWine.com).
Gruet Sparkling Brut Rosé — U.S.
Sparkling wine is always a good idea to get evenings started. Gruet Winery in New Mexico — yes, New Mexico! — has some of the best-value American sparkling wines. This sparkling rosé is dry and pale salmon in color with mouthwatering raspberry and watermelon flavors and zingy acidity. ($17; Whole Foods). For a fruity sparkling pink option, Fiol Prosécco DOC rosé is a great choice.
Let me know what you’re sipping this summer. Frank.Morgan@icloud.com.
