After years of languishing amid negative stereotypes, Rosé wine consumption has increased steadily in the last ten years. Consumers have come to appreciate the quality of a well-made Rosé, as well as its food-friendliness.
And producers are responding with wines made from a variety of grapes. But generally, expect bright, fresh, crisp wines with aromas and flavors of red fruits, including cherry, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, rhubarb or pomegranate, and sometimes citrus (orange, grapefruit) or stone fruits (peach, apricot).
The Provence region of southern France arguably has the most prestige, as it has built its reputation over many centuries but especially the last 80 years. Chateau La Coste, with its vineyards that date to Roman timesnow farmed organically and biodynamically, offers fine 2023 examples, including regionally sourced, zesty, elegant Lady A ($25) – cinsault, grenache, syrah; focused, juicy Château Rosé ($25) – grenache, syrah, cinsault, cabernet sauvignon; and creamy textured, Grand Vin Rosé ($35) – cabernet sauvignon, grenache, syrah from old vine estate vineyards.
From nearby Bordeaux, I was impressed with the organic, vegan 2023 Mouton-Cadet “x Mathilde” ($18), a friendly, easy-drinking merlot.
And Chile, a leader in sustainable winemaking, provided a bright, flavorful 2023 Natura Rosé ($15) – organically grown, gluten-free, vegan-friendly with proceeds to 1% For the Planet.
Italy offers fine “Rosato” up and down the peninsula:
- 2023 San Leonardo “Gemma” Lagrein ($30) from a still family-owned estate dating to 1724 in Trentino; herbal, mineral notes
- 2023 Frescobaldi “Alìe” ($22) from an iconic Tuscan family, red/white blend of syrah and vermentino; citrus and stone fruits with herbal notes
- 2022 Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Superiore ($24) montepulciano grapes from Abbruzzo’s Masciarelli winery; savory, juicy, spicy
- 2023 Donnafugata “Dolce & Gabbana” Rosa ($30) certified sustainable nerello mascalese and nocera from Sicily; floral, mineral, spice
- 2021 Tornatore Etna ($19) family owned since 1865; another fine Sicilian from the native nerello mascalese; savory, mineral, saline
As reflected in my tasting (2023 vintage), pinot noir has emerged as the favorite grape for California Rosé.
- Frank Family “Leslie” Carneros ($50) citrus, spice, lovely texture
- Goosecross “A Rosé for Lucy” Carneros ($39) juicy, intense fruit
- Presqu‘ile Santa Maria Valley ($32) sustainable, organic, spicy, tangy
- MacRostie Sonoma Coast ($30) elegant, smooth mouthfeel
- Rodney Strong Sonoma Coast ($30) vibrant, savory
- Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Valley ($20) certified sustainable, soft texture
- One Stone ($18) from Ancient Peaks winery, mineral accents, sea spray
Finally, excellent Rosé from other varieties:
- 2023 Three Sticks “Casteñada” Sonoma Coast ($45) field blend of Rhône varieties; super flavorful, hint of anise
- 2023 Dutcher Crossing “Winemakers’ Cellar” Grenache Dry Creek Valley ($39) elegant, mineral, tart
- 2023 VARA New Mexico Rosé ($19) delightful 70% cabernet sauvignon, 30% refosco, from New Mexico’s Middle Rio Grande Valley
- 2022 Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese Columbia Valley ($15) deeply flavored