The 12 best rosés to try this summer, according to wine experts
- As summer approaches, so too nears the time to begin stocking your fridge with one of the season's favorite adult beverages: rosé.
- If you're new to the pink wine, experts recommend trying out a variety of hues from pale to deep to discover what most pleases your palate.
- If you're looking for something to complement your fruit and cheese picnic, try a pale Provencal; if you need a pairing for a seafood dinner, go for a robust California bottle.
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And what does summer signal? Rosé on rooftops, of course.
While this summer you may be sipping your rosé on your own rooftop with a mask firmly at your side, choosing the right rosé can certainly elevate any self-isolation experience, transforming your personal space into a Provencal paradise.
"For folks that may be new to rosé, I would encourage them to try a few different hues," said Andy Myers, wine director at Jose Andres Think Food Group. "Try a pale Provencal one, a blushing Spanish, and a rich, dark US version. See what you like."
He adds that rosés should ideally be dry — anywhere from 12.5% ABV or higher is a dry rosé — and loaded with fresh, vibrant fruits like strawberries and raspberries.
A note from our experts: While we tend to think of warm weather as "rosé season," our experts unanimously agree that there is no such thing, and a great rosé can be enjoyed any time of year. The taste of a good rosé can give us something to look forward to and transport us to a beautiful afternoon at any time of year — which may be just the dose of optimism we need right about now.
"The biggest misconception about rosé is that it's only for warm-weather enjoyment. The truth is that rosé is fantastic year round," said Brian Freedman, a wine, spirits, food, and travel writer. He consults on restaurants, is a drinks educator, event host, speaker, and regular wine contributor for Food & Wine Magazine.
"In fact, I love opening a bottle on a snowy evening in the dead of winter. It's my own little protest against the cold and the dark, and a wonderful reminder that better days are sure to come," Freedman added. Well said!
Anyway, shall we get on with it? Whether you're spread out on a picnic blanket in your own backyard or staring longingly out of your apartment window in the city, these are 12 of the best rosés to try this summer, according to our experts.
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1. Liquid Geography
This is a rosé from Rioja that hasn't quite reached the US yet, but will be launching here in just a few months.
"It's a delicious Garnacha-based rosé," said Myers. "The best part is that Ole & Obrigado Imports is donating 50% of the profits to World Central Kitchen," a charity started by Jose Andres that helps battle global hunger.
"Pairing rosé is easy," he added. "Serve it with happiness. Most rosés are uncomplicated, easy, and fun. They tend to get along with everything from fresh veggies to hearty meats. Don't overthink it."
2. Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2019
If you're a rooftop rosé veteran, chances are you've heard of Whispering Angel. This is the rosé that made most Americans fall for the Provencal style.
"Great rosés are being made in almost every wine region, but I have a particular affinity for rosés from the South of France," said Gillian Sciaretta, associate editor at Wine Spectator. "Provence is arguably the most important region in the world for rosé, and many winemakers outside of France strive to make Provencal-styled wines."
What sets a Provencal rosé apart? Its flavors of citrus, red berry, melon, tangerine, spice, herb, and wet stone. Rosés from Provence are dry and have minerals as well. Pair them with seafood and summer salads, Sciaretta added.
3. 2019 Minuty Rosé et Or
This is a rosé that beautifully captures the Chateau Minuty Saint-Tropez estate. It also happens to be the best rosé wine among Vivino users, with a 4.3-star rating.
"[It] speaks of the seaside with its freshness and flavors and represents the ultimate in what a quality Cotes de Provence rosé can achieve," said Joel Anthony Caruso, Vivino's partner sommelier and beverage educator. "Its gentle freshness gives way to concentrated, almost gourmet flavors."
4. 2019 Cotes de Provence Rose Tentations Clos Cibonne
From the Tibouren varietal, this is a rosé that offers a little twist on the traditional.
"A geeky rosé option for those looking for something different," said Brian Phillips, acting general manager and sommelier for The Citrus Club and former wine director for Darden Restaurant Group. "It's very expressive of the Provencal Mediterranean climate and environment, but the unique Tibouren varietal wine delivers a complex bouquet of flavors apart from the more common cuvee of Provence."
Phillips recommended sipping Clos Cibonne with richer dishes, from seafood stews to assorted aged cheeses.
5. Sofia Brut Rosé 2019, Francis Ford Coppola Winery
If you're in the mood for something celebratory, a sparkling rosé pairs perfectly with a festive occasion. And these days, we certainly could use a few more reasons to celebrate.
Phillips recommended the Sofia Brut Rosé for its hint of off-dry sweetness. Fun fact: It's available in both bottles and cans.
"Pair this with any water time recreation or chilling on a summer day," he said. "Its bubbles and touch of sweetness are perfect on their own as a great refresher."
6. Le Charmel Provence 2019
For Melvyn Master, proprietor of Le Charmel, Mont Gravet, Exem, Tortoise Creek, Kin & Cascadia, and Tiamo Organic, rosé should always be from Provence or the south of France. In particular, this year he's excited for his Le Charmel Provence.
"I think these styles of rosé can be enjoyed alone, but their versatility allows them to be all occasion wines," he said. "For newbies, I would always choose something that is from the south of France, as these wines are the most representative of rosé at its best."
7. Domaines Ott 'BY.OTT' Rosé
Freedman has tasted more than 120 different rosés for the 2020 season, so you can trust his judgment when he recommends Domaines Ott "BY.OTT" rosé from Cotes de Provence.
"Like a lot of people, my wine drinking time has definitely shifted to earlier in the day as quarantine has worn on," he said. Rosé is perfect for that, as it's light enough to be enjoyed well before 5 p.m. "The classic pairing is rosé with Nicoise salad, but I love it with everything from canned sardines to potato chips to grilled hot dogs," he explained.
Pro tip: Freedman's preferred rosé meal is Hebrew Nationals on a Martin's potato roll topped with sauerkraut, relish, and mustard.
"Great rosé pairs with it perfectly," he said. "My only complaint is that the bottle tends to vanish way more quickly than I ever expected."
8. Anne Amie Twelve Oaks Estate Rosé of Pinot Gris 2019 Willamette Valley
For something a little richer, Freedman recommended the Anne Amie Twelve Oaks Estate Rosé, which is copper in color and has notes of caramel, dried pineapples, tarragon, and lime juice.
"Personally, there are times when I want a richer style of rosé, something a bit more extracted, and others when I crave that classic, delicate, detailed Provencal style. The good news is that you can find it all with relative ease," he said.
9. JNSQ Rosé Cru
For a touch of style and unique presentation, master sommelier Joe Spellmen recommended JNSQ ("je ne sais quois"). Sourced from vineyards all over the California central coast, this rosé is based on Grenache.
"Its 'secret sauce,'" he revealed, "is a very small percentage of Viognier to bump up the floral character of the nose. It's a delightful wine with fine food like steamed lobster, sautéed scallops, or by itself for celebratory occasions."
10. JUSTIN Rosé 2019
This delicate-hued rosé uses Syrah as the main event.
"It is a firm and dry wine," Spellman said. "With just a touch of white pepper and fresh apple in its attractive aromas, it's a great aperitif with charcuterie or fine farmstead cheeses."
11. Arnot-Roberts Rosé California 2019
For Christopher Hoel, expert curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co., founder of Harper's Club, and former wine director at French Laundry, you can find great rosé from all over the world, but in an oversaturated market where much of it isn't worth sipping, it can be hard to navigate the shelves.
"Domestically, I like Arnot-Roberts," he said. "They do a funky rosé based on one of the staple grapes in the production of port, but they do it in a very delicate style." It's a pale-style rosé, which is odd coming from one of the thickest skin grapes out there, but it's one that he absolutely loves.
12. Viña Tondonia Rosé Gran Reserva 2009, Lopez de Heredia
If you really want to mix it up, as many of these wine experts suggested you do with your rosé, Lopez de Heredia is a wine producer in Rioja that's creating some fabulous rosé. Their vintage rosé is aged in American barrels for four years, and then another four years in the bottle. If you know anything about rosé, that may seem wild to you, but according to Hoel, it's a must-try.
"The current vintage is impossible to get," he said. Not because it's expensive, but because it's rare. In fact, he said it's not even that expensive, just a tough one to discover.
"It is one of the most amazing rosé experiences you'll ever have. If you see it somewhere, buy it and call me," he added.
Meagan Drillinger is freelance travel and lifestyle writer. Connect with her on Instagram and learn more on her website.
* This article was originally published here
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