Rosé wines are perhaps the most versatile, food-friendly wines around. They have had an image problem to overcome, thanks in part to the run of "White Zin," as many consumers mistake Rosé wines to be overly sweet and in the category of "starter wine." However, Rosé wine sales are on the rise as savvy Wine Lovers have discovered that many of these pink wines fall into the definitively "dry" category, not sugary sweet, and the vast majority of Rosé wines offer a very good wine value for the money. Rosé wine hues come from the short contact time that the grape juice has with the grape skin. Serve chilled.
1. Tapena Rosé (Spain) $12
Tapena
This rosé from Spain is a delicious blend of Monastrell and Garnacha grapes. The result is a bright pink wine with a tantalizing combination of strawberry, cherry and peach on the palate - great acidity allows for unlimited food pairing combinations!
2. Ironstone Xpression Rosé 2008 (CA) $8
Ironstone
This California rosé brings incredible dollar value to the summer table. A savory, expressive pink wine that offers a blend of peach, berry and hint of lemon zest - almost an "adult" version of "strawberry lemonade."
3. Maison Bouachon 2008 "La Rouviere" (FR) $15
Maison Bouachon
A beautifully balanced rosé wine from Tavel, an AOC in the southern Rhone that is known for their exclusive dibs on rosés. This rosé is a tasty, light-bodied Rhone blend (50% Grenache) with the juicy flavors of strawberry and cranberry on the forefront and a dash of citrus on the palate. Maison Bouachon (an offshoot of Robert Skalli) brings consumers a fresh, well-made rosé from southern France.
4. Montes Cherub Rose of Syrah 2008(Chile) $16
Photo Courtesy of Montes Vineyards
The Montes Cherub is always a visually stunning wine. The color is a magnificent hot pink. This well-received rosé from Chile is crafted solely from Syrah grapes, producing a classy, dry rosé with plenty of concentrated red berry fruit and a touch of citrus on the edge. Simply delicious!
5. Robert Oatley Rosé of Sangiovese 2008 (Aus) $17
This Aussie style rosé is made from Italy's famous grape, Sangiovese, yielding a dry, medium-bodied bright pink wine. The flavors are a fun combination of peach and cherry with nice balance.6. La Scolca "Rosa Chiara" Rosato 2008 (Italy) $12
La Scola
This lightly colored rosé hails from Italy's northern Piedmont region. It's made from the indigenous Cortese grape, which is a white wine grape, and is blended with just a touch of Pinot Noir for color and structure. The result is an intriguing wine with plenty of citrus and strawberry flavor and good overall palate presence.
7. Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto 2007 (Italy) $25
Banfi
This particular bright pink wine from Italy's well-loved Piedmont region has a devoted following. It is a red sparkling wine that is sweet and subtle with the lush flavors of ripe raspberry and juicy strawberry. Consider giving this wine a run with chocolate-based desserts, fresh fruit and pecan pie.
8. Jaboulet Parallele 45 Rosé 2008 (France) $10
Jaboulet
Dominated by the Grenache grape, this fresh, dry French rosé has plenty of power and balance. The color is a medium pink rose and the aromas are largely floral. On the palate expect red cherry and a touch of spice to take the flavor spotlight. This is a charming blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah. A well-noted rosé that will pair well with a variety of menu options. Check it out with grilled fish or chicken and even potato salad.
9. Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Rosé 2007 (CA) $16
Photo courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola
This Rosé by Coppola is tip top on the elegance chart. Starting with a stunning bottle shape and presentation it only gets better when you pop the cork. The Coppola Sofia Rosé is derived from Pinot Noir grapes and offers exuberant fruit - strawberries, cherry and raspberry as expected but wrapped in subtle citrus notes, which was unexpected and quite fresh on the palate. Would be perfect for a bridal shower. Truly a delight!
10. Corbières Rosé Domaine Sainte-Eugenie 2008 (FR) $12
Domaine Sainte Eugenie
A bright French rosé from Languedoc, made with 75% Cinsault with a bit of Grenache and Syrah blended in. The fruit flavors lean heavily on rasberry and cranberry with a subtle herby undertone. A tasty dry, rosé wine well-placed for picnics and barbecues.
11. Fortrant Merlot Rosé 2007 (Fr) $9
Fortrant
This is another great value rosé wine from southern France. Expect loads of raspberry mixed with strawberry and a bit of watermelon on the palate. An easy going wine for summertime!
12. Beringer California Sparkling White Zinfandel (CA) $10
Photo courtesy of Beringer
The Beringer Sparkling Rosé is one for those who are "White Zin" lovers, but it has bubbles and is quite refreshing! Made from Zinfandel grapes and offering a sweet strawberry meets spumante experience - a fun wine to pop open for summer gatherings.
