Although I sip rosé wines throughout the year, my favorite season for these harbingers of happiness is summer. Sitting by the pool or contemplating a dip in the hot tub? Pour rosé. Setting up the goodies from the picnic basket at the park? Pour rosé. Gazing at the stars on a sultry night? Pour rosé. You get the idea, right?
Just recently, I received as samples, a few stellar rosés that I chilled, poured and shared. Each was a joy to sip on its own or with an array of foods I love. Open a bottle and pair with tacos, grilled seafood, cheeseburgers or a good book – and don’t forget the friends. Rosé is the drink of summer. Join me!
A joyous rosé of Grenache with dashes of Picpoul Blanc and Syrah is Halter Ranch 2023 Rosé ($37), a fully organic winery in Paso Robles, California. On the nose and palate, I found notes of rich and juicy strawberries, pomegranate, cranberry and watermelon along with salinity, bright acidity and minerality, all leading into a lingering finish. This was a winner with our vegetarian quiche one early evening under the patio umbrella.
What’s inside the gorgeous bottle of Rosa Dolce&Gabbana Donnafugata 2023 DOC ($55) reflects the beauty of Sicily and Donnafugata’s consistency in producing organic wines. Of two native grapes, Nerello Mascalese and Nocera, I discovered an abundance of aromas including roses, jasmine, peach and white stone fruits. Flavors of the same with plenty of minerality and elegance, the persistent finish was delightful. I paired this keeper with grilled salmon under a creamy, light sauce. And how about that bottle? The partnership of Donnafugata and Dolce&Gabbana has led to plenty of creativity. Dolce&Gabbana “has taken up the challenge of telling the story of this prestigious wine, overseeing its coordinated image: the immediately recognizable graphics of the materials draw inspiration from the iconic Sicilian cart, which represents the island’s craftsmandhip, culture and tradition the world over.” Cheers to that!
What’s not to love about a Rosé of 100% Pinot Noir from a sustainable-certified winery in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County? Sonoma Cutrer 2023 Rosé ($20) ticks all the boxes. Ballet slipper pink in the glass, aromas of oranges, raspberries, tangerine and pink florals were enticing. Crisp and refreshing, notes of more red berries and breezy sea salt moved towards a lengthy finish. This choice paired well with our light and flavorful seafood pasta and could easily have complemented citrus based salads, grilled fish or [fill in the blank], too.
Pure, clean and mouthwatering was Natura Rosé 2023 ($15) from Chile. From organically farmed Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the pale pink color was beautiful to gaze upon and light, breezy whiffs of red berries were delightful on the nose. Boasting bright acidity, raspberries, strawberries, juicy ripe peaches and minerality dominated the palate. I had a glass as an aperitif while catching up with a good friend on the patio. Affordalicious to be sure!
Stay tuned for more rosé wine roundups for your pouring pleasure! I have much to share.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
You’d like to learn more about rosé along with other wines? Join the wine community and grab my course “Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!).” Click HERE for information and to join the community.
