{Full disclosure: Some of the products suggested in this list were provided to me at no charge.}
It’s no secret that Rosé is trending right now – and has been for the last couple years. Rosé is more than just a wine now, it’s a lifestyle. A la, Rosé all day, Yes Way Rosé and all the Rosé vibes. I mean, it’s pretty obvious why it’s such a hit. It’s pink, pretty and most importantly delicious! Well, most the time.
With the market now being so saturated with Rosés from all over the world, it can be tough choosing a good Rosé! I’ve included both domestic wines and imports to offer a variety of Rosé options depending on what your palate prefers.
Before I dive into the list I want to quickly cover how most Rosé is made, as it’s often misunderstood! Rosé can be made from pretty much any red grape varietal but most commonly you’ll see them made from Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Malbec. Where the wine is coming from will often dictate what grape is being used. For example, if you pick up a Rosé from Provence, France it’s most likely going to be either Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre or a blend of all three.
So how does the wine get it’s pretty pink color and not turn red? I’m so glad you asked! 😉 With Rosé wine the winemakers leave the grape skins on for only a couple hours (if that!) during fermentation, just to impart the color, where as red wine allows the skins to soak for much longer. Now this is typically, and the preferred way, to make Rosé…some large producing brands mix together red and white wine to simulate a Rosé. I’m not a fan of this shortcut! But don’t worry, most do it the traditional way. Give the back label a read and you’ll be able to see what grapes are in there just to make sure!
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! While there are way more delish Rosés that I enjoy than what I have listed below, I wanted to feature some that aren’t always on the most popular lists, but that I love and think you will too. So, listed in no particular order…
The Best Rosés to Drink This Spring and Summer:
Flowers Rosé
A classic Sonoma wine. You can almost always depend on a wine from Flowers. This Rosé of Pinot Noir is bursting with notes of fresh strawberries and sprouting orange blossoms. Light and elegant, yet a medium mouthfeel and lingering finish. Put this one on repeat!
Belleruche Rosé
This Rosé is coming from the Rhone Valley in France. Comprised of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, this wine showcases juicy cherries and a bit of a heavier mouthfeel, yet is still light enough you may mistake it for a Rosé from Provence. Super affordable. Great bottle!
Tablas Creek Rosé
Repping as the only Paso Robles Rosé on the list, the mention is well deserved. Made from Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise (it’s ok if you haven’t heard of this grape, it’s not widely used!) this wine is similar to Rosé from Rhone, such as the one above. Lots of body, mineralities and earth, there’s also notes of crushed raspberries and hibiscus flower. Bring this one along on your next picnic, paired with some charcuterie!
Red Car Rosé
A blend of two cool climate vineyards coming from Mendocino and the Sonoma Coast, this Pinot Noir Rosé is dry and full of delicate mineralities. Made in the vin gris style (almost no skin contact time at all) this Rosé drinks very much like a white wine and has an addicting acidity!
Miraval Rosé
I almost didn’t feature this one due to it’s popularity but it’s just so dang good, it deserves it. Brad and Angelina’s marriage may not have worked out but they sure did collaborate together long enough to make a good wine. Classic, tried and true – can’t go wrong. Sip this by the pool. Instagram the bottle.
Silver Trident Rosé
What a beautiful bottle, and some beautiful juice to match. This Rosé is a little more tart and tangy, but sweet on the finish. Flavors of bright rhubarb and lime zest make this a perfectly thirst quenching wine for summer. I could most definitely Rosé all day with this. Was that cliche? Sorry not sorry.
Unti Rosé
Made from Grenache and Mourvedre, this Rosé has a nice full mouthfeel and crisp acidity. I love all of Unti’s wines and appreciate their passion in the winemaking process. Coming in at a little over 1,000 cases produced, I think that makes this their largest produced varietal as most of their wines are only 500 cases and under. This will sell out!
Ragbag Rosé
Very light Rosé – this bottle goes down quick. Coming in at 100% Grenache from Lodi, despite all the sun these clusters got, this vino still has a nice, bright acidity + light fresh summer fruit notes. Very pale pink, and easily mistaken for water..don’t get any ideas! Or do. 😉
Ameztoi Txakolina Rosé
Have you ever had a Spanish Rosé? More specifically one from Basque Country in the north of Spain? If not, it’s about time! Made from Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza (ever even heard of those!?) this wine is fresh, slightly fizzy and goes down mighty easy in a porron. And if you don’t know what a porron is, we can’t be friends.
French Blue Rosé
Let’s hop on over to Bordeaux and sip on a Rosé made from Merlot, Cabernet and Cab Franc. Exclusive to Whole Foods, this wine will be your new favorite porch pounder. Light, with notes of watermelon – the definition of summer water. You’re welcome.
Azur Rosé
Can we talk about this bottle, though? You almost don’t want to drink it – ha, who am I kidding. This beautiful pink juice is made from Grenache and Syrah. This Rosé has notable body to it with yummy notes of raspberry and peach. Pair this with salad and a salmon burger – or just as a way to keep cool while grilling. No judgments here.
Gran Moraine Rosé
The only Rosé from Willamette Valley to make my list, this wine is always a great choice. Tropical notes, honeysuckle, watermelon and peach make this a very fruity, juicy Rosé perfect for pool side sipping.
Whew! I need a glass of Rosé now! Whether you’re sippin’ it by the pool, taking it on a picnic, chugging it from a water bottle at a concert or pairing it with a gourmet meal, I hope you find my Rosé guide helpful. Let me know if you found a new favorite!
