As if you haven’t already figured this out, it’s rosé season… and I’m loving it! Each of us is able to find intriguing choices of rosé, from still to sparkling, at every restaurant and wine bar wherever you live (click here for Chicago ideas). Now that the weather in my home town is finally porch-friendly, I’ve taken my wine glass to this favorite summer place and enjoyed some delightful rosés, all under $20 and sent as samples, from wine regions around the globe. I hope you’ll be enticed to find these refreshing, food friendly wines after reading the reviews below and allow yourself a generous pour. You may be sipping on your porch, but your palate may just find itself in another fascinating location!
But first. How is rosé produced? There are a few ways to make rosé and in the vast majority of cases, oak is not used.
Some rosé wines are produced using Direct Pressing. Black grapes are crushed then pressed like the process in white winemaking. Little color from the skin is extracted, but it takes finesse to ensure that too much tannin is extracted, too.
Drawing Off is a process whereby once fermentation is under way, the juice is drawn off after 6-48 hours, depending on the amount of color desired; the color is deeper the longer the wine is in contact with the skins. After the juice has been drawn off, fermentation continues at a cooler temperature, a method to retain fresh, fruity flavors.
On occasion, a small amount of red wine is added to a white wine to produce a rosé; the process is called Blending. The European Union does not allow this practice except in the Champagne region, but some inexpensive rosé wines from the New World are made in this manner. I dare you to do this at home!
Finally, a number of rosés are produced using the Saignée or Bleeding method. The procedure is similar to Drawing Off except that only a small amount of the juice is removed – the rest stay in contact with the grape skins to produce a red wine. The purpose of this process is to increase the concentration of the red wine with the rosé wine as a by-product.
The
Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2018 ($12.99) never disappoints. A classic Provençal-style blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre, I was transported to the south of France with mesmerizing aromas of raspberry sorbet, strawberries, a bouquet of roses and a hint of vanilla wafting from the glass. On the palate, racy acidity and snappy minerality surrounded notes of juicy red fruit and herbs. Pair this wine with a cheese and charcuterie plate to keep the moments simple and delicious.
Bertani Bertarose 2018 ($15.99) is created by one of the Veneto’s most legendary Amarone producers in Italy. A blend of Molinara and Merlot, aromas of strawberries and herbs were bright and lively and brilliant acidity framed flavors of dried herbs and crushed berries. Mineral driven, balanced and sophisticated, red fruit notes lingered on my appreciative palate. Pair this beauty with seafood pasta, light appetizers or a good conversation.
From New Zealand,
Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc Rosé 2018 ($14.99) is new to the United States market this year and having met Peter a few years ago, I’m thrilled. (Click
here to find out more.) But a rosé of Sauvignon Blanc? Yes! Produced from the country’s flagship variety, a dollop of Merlot was added. On the nose, intense aromas of grapefruit, elderflower, gooseberries and rose petals were a lovely entry to flavors of grapefruit, green apple, white peach flesh and herbs. Vibrant acidity was present with each sip and the finish lingered with citrus notes. I paired this distinctive rosé with a fresh garden salad for a tasty luncheon treat.
Having sampled a portfolio of wines from Argentina’s Bodegas Salentein not too long ago (click
here), I was enthralled with their
Portillo Rosé 2018 ($10.99). Of 100% Malbec, this smooth, balanced wine offered aromas and flavors of rose petals and just-picked strawberries and raspberries. Its vibrant acidity and a luscious finish are a delicious match to your favorite burger or light pasta dishes.
At the apex of Les Baux de Provence in France is a charming village where Mas de la Dame Estate is located. Meaning “farm of the lady”, owners Anne Poniatowski and Caroline Missoffe are responsible for
Mas de la Dame La Gourmande Rosé 2018 ($19.99), a certified organic rosé of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. (And the shape of the bottle is just as compelling as the wine!) Elements of stone fruit, tropical fruit and strawberries wafted from the glass. On the palate, bright acidity bolstered flavors of herbs, spice and soft red fruit. The finish was tangy and fruit-forward. Consider pairing this beautiful rosé with mussels or escargots.
Southwest Sicily represents in this fascinating rosé from the Perricone grape. Abundant sunshine and cool breezes from the sea help grapes thrive at Mandrarossa winery where the
Mandrarossa Perricone Rosé Costadune 2018 ($11.99) was produced. Notes of red roses, juicy strawberries, white peaches and herbs were vibrant on both nose and palate… Thanks to bracing acidity and breezy salinity, I felt as if I was in Sicily with each sip of this rosé and bites of grilled fish with vegetables.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
