After years of languishing amid negative stereotypes, Rosé wine consumption has increased steadily in recent years. Consumers have come to appreciate the quality of a well-made Rosé. Food-friendly with aromas and flavors similar to red wine but drinking more like white wine, they are a good choice all year but ideal for warm weather.
And producers all over the world are responding with high quality dry pink wines made from a variety of grapes but generally, expect bright, fresh, crisp wines of red fruits, including cherry, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, rhubarb or pomegranate, and sometimes citrus (orange, grapefruit) or stone fruits (peach, apricot). All wines here are 2024 vintage unless otherwise noted.
Rosato, as it is known in Italy, is found up and down the peninsula and is produced from numerous native grape varieties, as noted.
Veneto: Scaia ($15) rondinella; refreshing, tangy raspberries, peach
Marche: Garofoli “Kómaros” ($14) montepulciano; flavorful, bright red fruits
Abruzzo: La Valentina “Cerasuolo” ($14) montepulciano; intense, structured, more body
Puglia: Li Veli “Askos” ($25) rare, ancient susumaniello grape; raspberry, spicy, herbal; “Sybar” ($20) negroamaro; fresh, minerally; “Torrerose” ($15) primitivo; juicy, bold, yet crisp cherry
Spain contributed the vibrant, fruit-forward Marques de Caceres Rosado ($10) tempranillo; and from Portugal the solidy structured, minerally Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo ($26) tinta roriz, touriga franca, tinta francisca
Given pinot noir is the principal red grape in Oregon, it’s not surprising it makes the most common rosés.
Alexana ($45) barrel fermented; plush yet fresh, delightful strawberry, watermelon
2023 St. Laurent Estate ($25) peach, red berries, earthy note
2023 Amity White ($23) citrus, apricot, earthy note
California also has latched on to pinot noir as the grape of choice for rosé.
Frank Family “Leslie” Carneros-Napa ($50) vibrant, citrus, cherry, peach, lovely texture
MacRostie Sonoma Coast ($30) juicy, raspberry, rhubarb, spice, supple palate
2023 Brassfield Estate “Serenity” High Valley ($22) cherry, raspberry, orange, mineral
I have also seen more California rosés from grenache. Maybe that’s because it is prominent in the popular rosés of Provence.
Cuvaison Grenache ($45) brisk grapefruit, cherry, raspberry, light spice, firm
2023 Dutcher Crossing “Winemakers’ Cellar” Dry Creek Valley ($42) sharp, grapefruit, orange, minerally