As the days grow longer and store shelves are filling with more rosés, we can be sure that summer is finally almost here.
And while some may think rosé is still just a trend, it’s definitely become a warm weather staple for outdoor parties, impromptu picnics and creating that perfect Instagram post. Rosé’s a summer must, and while that means there’s a growing number of exciting new vintages to try, it can be overwhelming to choose one when confronted with endless shelves of pink.
But don’t worry! To make your decision easier, we’ve picked 10 bottles from regions around the world that are perfect for celebrating the warm weather.
Margerum 2017 Riviera Rosé (Santa Barbara County); $21, 92 points. Tight, bright and refreshing on the nose, this very pale Grenache-based rosé shows strawberry and wet river stones on the nose. There’s an immense grip to the sip, with pithy lime rinds framing the tightly wound strawberry flavors that carry far into the finish. Beware the ease with which it vanishes. Editors’ Choice.—Matt Kettmann
Ferraton Pere et Fils 2016 Les Lauses (Tavel); $18, 91 points. Crisp sour-cherry and red-currant flavors are irresistibly mouthwatering but there’s more than just simple fruit to admire here. Dry and full bodied, it’s a stylish, finessed wine with deep mineral complexities and delicate tannins framing the finish. Drink now through 2020. Sera Wine Imports.—Anna Lee C. Iijima
Château de Trinquevedel 2016 Tavel; $19, 91 points. Equal parts fruit and mineral, this dry, full-bodied rosé offers loads of pristine strawberry and red currant juxtaposed against a crystalline minerality. It’s vibrantly fresh, finishing on savory tones of bramble, thyme and rosemary. This lovely wine could function easily either by the pool or through dinner. Drink now through 2020. Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant.—A.L.C.I.
Malene Wines 2017 Rosé (Santa Barbara County); $22, 91 points. This rosé, by the team at Chamisal, is a superstar in the category, offering a little bit of everything for all palate preferences. Perfumed aromas of peach, strawberry and wet gravel combine fruit with minerality, while the palate is framed by a compelling texture. Flavors of red apple and plum sail into the finish. Editors’ Choice.—M.K.
SeaGlass 2017 Rosé (Monterey County); $12, 90 points. Very pale pink in the glass, this offers a bright, vivacious nose full of bubblegum sticks and watermelon water. The palate is grippy in texture and lively in acidity, showing delicious but light strawberry flavors. Best Buy.—M.K.
Le P’tit Paysan 2017 Pierre’s Pirouette Rosé (Central Coast); $19, 90 points. Light pink in the glass with a tiny bit of effervescence in its youth, this rosé of 48% Grenache, 43% Mourvèdre and 9% Cinsault shows tart tangerine, grapefruit pith, watermelon and strawberry water on the nose. There’s tremendous sizzle to the sip and plenty of textural depth, carrying flavors of watermelon rind and ripe flesh.—M.K.
Airlie Bank 2017 Gris Fermented on Skins Rosé (Yarra Valley); $22, 90 points. Made from Pinot Gris fermented for weeks on its skins, this is an unusual rosé—and not just because it’s technically not a rosé at all, but an orange wine. Unlike most pink sippers that are made to be knocked back, this is a thinking woman’s wine. The nose is a heady blend of ripe watermelon, peach, pressed red flowers and shitake mushrooms. The palate is all at once creamy, tangy and salty, with flavors of watermelon rind, ginger candy and cocktail bitters. Geek out with your wine-loving friends on this quirky little beauty. Little Peacock Imports. Editors’ Choice.—Christina Pickard
Hawley 2017 Rosé of Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley); $23, 90 points. Medium bodied and moderately pink in color, this wine is fleshy and creamy on the palate, with body to spare. Cherry and raspberry flavors highlight the experience.—Virginie Boone
San Salvatore 1988 2017 Vetere Aglianico Rosato (Paestum); $N/A, 89 points. Made entirely with organically farmed Aglianico, this juicy vibrant rosato doles out wild red berry, citrus and white-peach flavors. It’s crisp, with bright acidity while a hint of wet stone accents the tangy finish. Banville Wine Merchants.—Kerin O’Keefe
Delinquente 2017 Pretty Boy Nero d’Avola Rosato (Riverland);$22, 88 points. This little pink number encompasses much of what makes rosé such a popular category at the moment: Be it the burst of ripe red fruits or the delicate balance of mouthwatering acidity and slightly creamy texture. Bring this bottle to a summer barbecue and watch it get drained at frightening speed. Hudson Wine Brokers.—C.P.
Published: April 25, 2018
