While the second Saturday of June marks National Rosé Day, the varietal is a grape that has a purpose for every season.
Yes, in the warmer months it pairs stunningly with oysters, seafood dishes, light salads and is great for patio pouring. But, in the winter, sipping it alongside a stew or next to your Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce brightens up the meal.
There are so many outstanding bottles of rosé out there and winemakers spend time purposefully crafting this wine. But, with the influx of rosé on the market now, it can definitely be overwhelming to walk through the section at your favorite wine shop.
We’re here to help. Here are several great bottles — and a few cans — of rosé that you need to get your hands on. (Need to purchase in a hurry? Click here!)
Bottles
Balletto Vineyards: Strawberries and cream play wonderfully in this 2020 rosé of pinot noir Russian River Valley wine. A slight acidity keeps it fresh, but it stays perfectly balanced from the first sip to the last.
Chandon: No list would be complete without a bubbly pink drink and Chandon’s sparkling rosé. Aromas of fresh strawberry, watermelon and cherry play on the nose and then dance on the palate. However, the sipper is more dry than fruit-forward, adding to its sophisticated finish.
Ferrari Trento: A refined bouquet make this a pink sipper you’ll never get tired of. Notes of floral, red currant and strawberry fill this dry, clean brut rosé with nuances of flavor. Made of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay.
Fleurs de Prairie: Delicate flavors of red fruit and lemon, and a subtle note of tropical fruits on the finish make this a rosé to remember. Sourced from hand selected vineyards throughout the Languedoc region, this pink drink is perfect for light apps in the yard or a fresh fish dish.
Justin Vineyards: A dry rosé made of mostly Syrah that is whole cluster pressed and fermented like a white wine, it shows a beautiful salmon color in the glass with bright red fruit, crisp apple and subtle herbal notes.
La Vieille Ferme: The 2020 version of this rosé is delicate on the palate and can be sipped alongside light, fresh meals or solo. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, the freshness is what will keep you coming back for more, while its beautiful floral and citrus notes will make drinking extra pleasurable.
Mateus: Check out Mateus Dry Rosé 2020 vintage, a dry and expressive Portuguese wine. Made from mostly Portuguese grape varietals — Baga and Touriga Nacional — the result is a wine with cherry and strawberry flavor notes.
Miraval: Made in Côtes de Provence, France, the 2020 Miraval rosé has tasting notes of fresh fruit and spring flowers. A little acidity and slight minerality create a stunning finish on the palate. It’s made from a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle.
Stags’ Leap: The 2020 Stags’ Leap Amparo Rosé is a beautiful rendition of the varietal, starting with the look. Bright red, this sipper is a dry, Rhone-style wine with bright cherry, red raspberry and orange blossom notes. Aged for three months in neutral oak barrels, there is a complexity in this wine that is extra special.
Tussock Jumper: Tussock Jumper’s Grenache Rosé 2019, made in France, has crisp flavors of juicy strawberries, red currants, and a hint of spice. Sustainably made, the finish on this is dry and pairs beautifully with French cheeses.
Wiens Family Cellars: The 2019 Rosé of Barbera has a crisp finish that is the standard at Wiens. Although known for its reds, this wine is carefully crafted. It has aromas of pink grapefruit and rose petal, strawberry on the palate, and minerality on the finish, with the perfect hint of acidity.
Wölffer Estate: While Summer In A Bottle rosé may be the most well-known, the brand’s 2020 Estate Rosé is a bottle that should not be missed this year. Bright, fresh and the perfect balance of acidity pair with rose petals, orange, fresh melon, and ripe kiwi.
Cans
Beach Juice: The tagline of Beach Juice is “fun wins” and this wine is no exception. Red berry on the nose, the wine finishes with a crispy, dry hint on the palate, a great iteration of a Provence-style rosé that’s in a can. With a perfect summertime label to boot.
Bonterra: A dry rosé ideal to enjoy on its own or pair with a light meal, this wine has a vibrant bouquet on the nose and palate with notes of strawberry, key lime and rosewater alongside flavors of peach, watermelon and pomegranate. This will be in the cooler all summer, for sure.
14 Hands: Bubbles in a can? Yes. The Unicorn Rosé from 14 Hands has fresh aromas of cranberry, cherry, and pomegranate, which translate to the palate. Fruit-forward and juicy, this is the perfect companion for a beach day or a picnic in the park.
Wine Society: Available in two sizes, Wine Society’s Chance is a rosé made from an equal blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Barbera and is a food-friendly Rosé that can be enjoyed with a variety of summer dishes like pasta salad and grilled chicken.
