Summer is well on its way, and that means it’s time to break out the rosé! (This might be my new catch phrase). This pink-hued wine really feels like the perfect summer wine.
The Rosé Table of Contents
Why Rosé Really is Summer's Best Friend
Rosé is refreshing, light and crisp, which I think pairs perfectly with the warmer weather. There’s nothing quite like relaxing out on the patio, and sipping on a chilled glass of rosé on a spring or summer day.
Aside from being light and refreshing, it’s also incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a variety of foods, from light salads to grilled seafood to (my personal favorite) charcuterie boards. So whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just lounging by the pool, rosé is the perfect wine to accompany your summer vibe. Plus, rosé is just plain fun. There’s something about that pink hue that just screams sunshine, while being laid back. I love that it’s unpretentious.
But here’s the best part: rosé is affordable. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a really great bottle of rosé. There are plenty of options out there that are both delicious and budget-friendly.
So, before you head to your nearest wine shop and stock up on some rosé, check out a few of our favorites. Whether you’re enjoying it during the day by the pool, or patio, or gathering with friends around the fire pit and some string lights in the evening, this pink wine is the perfect beverage for all your summer adventures. Cheers to the season of rosé!
Rosé Wine + Food Pairings
Rosé is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods and snacks. Here are some ideas for delicious pairings to enjoy with a bottle of rosé:
- Fresh Fruits: Rosé pairs well with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, and peaches. These fruits are light and refreshing, which complements the crispness of the wine.
- Salads: Rosé is a great wine to pair with salads. Try a light summer salad with mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and feta cheese. The acidity of the wine will complement the salad dressing and the cheese.
- Grilled Seafood: Rosé pairs well with grilled seafood like shrimp, salmon, and scallops. The lightness of the wine pairs well with the smokiness of the grill, and the acidity of the wine complements the flavors of the seafood.
- Charcuterie: A plate of charcuterie is a classic pairing with a bottle of rosé. The saltiness of the cured meats and the richness of the cheese complement the crispness of the wine.
- Light Pasta Dishes: Rosé pairs well with light pasta dishes like pasta salads, linguine with clams, and shrimp scampi. The acidity of the wine balances the flavors of the pasta and complements the seafood.
The Best Rosés For Summer Sipping
1.
Manon Cotes de Provence Rosé 2022
ALCOHOL %
12.5%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Cotes de Provence
STYLE
Dry
BODY
Medium
Overview
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Floral notes, like rose and white flowers, along with hints of fresh red berries, like strawberries.
- There may also be subtle notes of citrus and stone fruit, such as peaches and lemon.
ON THE PALATE
- Fresh acidity and crisp.
- Ripe red berries, citrus fruits, and sometimes a hint of minerality.
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Flavorful and smooth.
- Refreshing acidity and crisp taste.
- Well- balanced, easy to drink
- This vintage is more enjoyable than previous.
JUST A HEADS-UP
- Being a 2022, can be tough to get right now.
2.
Chateau Minuty M Rosé 2021
ALCOHOL %
13%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Cotes de Provence
STYLE
Dry
BODY
Medium
Overview
Here we have the world’s top producer of premium rosé. This perfectly balanced wine is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, and 10% Tibouren.
In this medium-bodied wine that leans acidic, you’ll find a very light sweetness, with notes of red fruits, like cherry and strawberry, along with hints of tree fruits and even citrus. There is also a hint of minerality, adding a subtle earthy note to the wine.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Red Fruits like cherry and strawberry
- There may also be subtle notes of tree fruits and citrus.
ON THE PALATE
- Refreshing acidity and crisp, with a dry finish.
- Bright citrus red fruits, subtle herbal note, and a hint of minerality.
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Flavorful and smooth.
- Refreshing acidity and crisp taste.
- Well- balanced and elegant.
- Refreshing and a bit complex.
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This one can sell out pretty quickly.
- It’s a bit on the pricier side, usually coming in at over $20.
3.
Bieler Pére & Fils Sabine Rosé 2021
ALCOHOL %
13%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
STYLE
Dry
BODY
Medium
Overview
Bieler Pére & Fils Sabine Rosé 2021 is a Provencal-style rosé wine made from a blend of Grenache 33%, Syrah 26%, Cinsault 18%, Cabernet Sauvignon 14%, and Rolle 9%.
This wine is medium-bodied, dry and crisp. You may find notes of red fruits, like strawberries, raspberries, cherries and cranberries – as well as light citrus fruits. These are perfectly balanced with summer florals and a bit of minerality. There are also floral notes of rose petals and a subtle herbal quality, with hints of lavender and thyme. Worth noting? This vintage rates better than any other year for this wine, leaving some surprised that they enjoyed this one so much as compared to previous years.
In terms of flavor, Bieler Pére & Fils Sabine Rosé 2021 is crisp and refreshing, with a dry finish and a medium body. What you smell is quite what you get, with bright red fruit notes dominating the palate.
Overall, this is an easy-to-drink wine, perfect for pairing with a warm day and light fare.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Floral notes, like rose petals, red fruits and subtle herbal notes like lavender and thyme flowers, along with hints of fresh red berries, like strawberries.
ON THE PALATE
- Medium-bodied, fresh acidity and crisp.
- Bright red fruit notes.
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- The bright red fruits with citrus.
- The hint of summer florals.
- Crisp and refreshing.
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This one seems to be so much more popular than previous vintages, so some drinkers may disregard this year based on perceptions from previous years.
4.
Daou Rosé 2020
ALCOHOL %
13.7%
COUNTRY
United States
REGION
Central Coast, CA
STYLE
Dry
BODY
Light-Medium
Overview
Daou Rosé is pale pink or peach in color, this light to medium bodied rosé features notes of apricot, peach and strawberry, balanced with citrus and a hint of floral on the nose. Dry and crisp this is a blend of 95% Grenache Noir, 5% Sauvignon Blanc.
On the nose, Daou Rosé 2020 is characterized by its vibrant and fruity aromas, and a hint of citrus, with notes of lemon zest and grapefruit. There is a slight herbal note as well.
In terms of flavor, Daou Rosé 2020 is crisp, with a refreshing acidity that makes it a perfect choice for spring and summer. It has a dry finish and a hint of minerality.
Overall, this one balances fruitiness and acidity beautifully, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Vibrant and fruity.
- A hint of citrus, like lemon and grapefruit.
- Slight herbal note.
ON THE PALATE
- Light to medium-bodied, fruit forward with fresh acidity.
- Crisp with a dry finish and a note of minerality.
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- The bright fruitiness with a hint of citrus.
- A bit lighter than some of our other picks.
- Versatile, goes with anything vibe.
JUST A HEADS-UP
- Because this one is a bit lighter, it may not be for those who prefer more of a medium-bodied rosé.
5.
Salmon Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé
ALCOHOL %
12.5%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Loire
STYLE
Dry
BODY
Light
Overview
Salmon Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé is a type of rosé wine made primarily from the Pinot Noir grape variety and grown in the Sancerre region of France. Pale pink, or salmon in color (hence the name) this dry rosé is light bodied.
On this nose, it offers red fruits, like cherries, raspberries and strawberries and citrus with hints of vanilla in a smooth, flavorful taste.
In terms of flavors, Salmon Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé is typically crisp and refreshing, with bright acidity and a dry finish. On the palate, you may get a hint of minerality along with the red fruits. It is generally considered a light-bodied wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, as it’s not overly sweet, even with the fruity notes.
Overall, Salmon Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé is a delightful wine that offers a balance of fruitiness and acidity, perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Red fruits, cherries, raspberries and strawberries.
- A bit of citrus.
- Hints of vanilla.
ON THE PALATE
- Light bodied, bright acidity with a dry finish.
- A note of minerality, with red fruits
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Not overly sweet, while still being fruity.
- Well-balanced.
- The hint of vanilla.
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This one is also a bit lighter, so it may not be for those who prefer more of a medium-bodied rosé.
