By the likes of it, rosé season is in full swing! And I’m here for it! Of course, it may come as no surprise that I sip all sorts of wines throughout the year, but on sunny, warm days, there’s nothing better than a chilled glass of pink in hand when dining al fresco, reading a juicy novel on the patio or chatting with friends or family under a big umbrella. Fortunately, I received five delicious, well-priced rosé wines as samples to swirl, sip, savor and share. With each, I found recipes for fresh and flavorful salads that were brilliant companions. Now it’s your turn to find these lovely rosés and indulge.
Let’s begin with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV ($69.99), France’s #1 best-selling Champagne and the world’s #3 choice. Quality is the brand’s signature and it’s obvious with each sip. Of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier, enjoy the notes of red berries, hint of blueberries, fresh raspberries, and crush strawberries on the nose and palate. All wrapped up in a glass of dancing bubbles, pop the cork for the perfect aperitif. Save more, though, for a Mediterranean Farro Salad with artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives in a homemade champagne vinaigrette. Find the recipe HERE.
From the hills of Lake Garda in northern Italy (a stunning area of the world, by the way), Bertani Velante Bertarosé 2024 ($17.99) is a blend of Corvina, Molinara, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes. The tart berries, dried leaves and spice aromas led to more of the same on the palate along with bright acidity, structure and a lasting finish. Complement a few pours of this vibrant wine with a Grilled Salmon Salad to enhance its flavors and balanced profile. Find one of my favorite recipes HERE.
It’s time for a glass of wine, Sicily-style! Planeta Rosé 2024 ($19.99) boasts a new label that showcases the history of Sicilian nature “both inside the bottle and out.” Comprised of Syrah and Nero d’Avola, I loved the aromas of melon, light herbs, and rose petals leading to flavors of lush red berries and spice. With a whiff of minerality and a foundation of bright acidity, I swirled and sipped this beauty with a typical dish from Sicily, Aeolian Salad (Sicilian Tomato Salad) with olives, anchovies, tomatoes, capers, red onions, basil, and lemon and red vinegar. Wow! Grab the recipe HERE.
Sarah Jessica Parker, a team from a family-owned estate, and Invivo have partnered to craft Invivo X, SJP Rosé 2024 ($19.99) with grapes cultivated in the the southern region of Provence. Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah blend to offer a fruit forward wine with herbal notes, juicy strawberries, minerality and plenty of sunshine. Delight in a glass with a Caesar Salad with (wait for it) anchovies which makes this dish a classic! With every sip and bite, you’ll be transported to the French Riviera! Yes, please. You can find the recipe HERE.
If you haven’t tried wines from Saracina in Mendocino County, California, consider this your reminder to do so. Saracina Rosé of Grenache 2024 ($19.99) is an exceptional wine with Grenache grapes grown on an estate with sustainably farmed vineyards, vegetable gardens, olive groves, beehives and plenty of birds and wildlife. I appreciated each sip with its pure red berry aromas and flavors, breezy minerality, snappy acidity and lively finish. Chill the bottle and create a gorgeous Watermelon Salad with sweet and juicy watermelon, cucumbers, salty feta cheese and fresh mint. Bookmark the recipe HERE.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
