Summer Sips With Rosé

The prospect of warm weather and sitting out on the patio is here. Why not enjoy it with some refreshing rosés? I personally enjoy rosés all year, but the summer months are especially a great time for this light, fruity wine. Rosé gets its distinctive blush color from the grape skins, but not enough to be considered a red. The hue can range from pale salmon to ruby, and its flavor profile can include red fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, as well as citrus, lime, and melon. Rosés are one of the most versatile wines, pairing well with all things summer, from fresh fruits and salads to your favorite summertime meats. It may also be one of the oldest known types of wine. Provence in the south of France is the epicenter of rosé, but the rest of the world has caught on and we now have rosés from all over. This month, I would like to introduce wines from France, Spain, and the U.S.

Spain

2024 MUGA RIOJA 

On the nose, it has medium intensity and complexity in aromas, with notes of peach, stone fruit, and a hint of white blossom. On the palate, it's well-balanced with sharp acidity nicely integrated and a long finish. 

2024 BODEGAS BRECA ROSÉ 

Creamy and refined, this rosado offers white raspberry, melon, and rosewater flavors enhanced with spice accents. An elegant rosé produced from the original clones of the Garnacha grape, characterized by delicate floral aromatics. 

PAIR WITH: Mahón & Covadonga Blue

France

2024 LA CHAPELLE DU SEUIL AIX-EN-PROVENCE 

This rosé has a bright, clear salmon color and red fruits and white flower aromas on the nose. Citrus juice carries through on the palate, with fresh, lively acidity. 

2024 CHÂTEAU DU CAMPUGET COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES ROSÉ 

The rosé has a nice appearance with a light and fresh pink color. The particularly fruity taste of raspberries and strawberries, typical of the Campuget style, has a good and refreshing acidity. 

PAIR WITH: Comté Gruyère & Fromager d’Affinois Brie

United States

2024 STOLLER FAMILY ESTATE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ WILLAMETTE VALLEY 

Orange peel and zesty pomelo leap from the glass with notes of ripe strawberry and a vibrancy that dances across the palate as the wine fades into notes of lime zest. 

2024 CASTLE ROCK WINERY ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR 

The wine is crisp, fresh, and floral with bright acidity and aromas of violet and rose petals. On the palate, it is supple and balanced with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus, with a smooth, lingering finish. 

PAIR WITH: Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog & Widmer's Matterhorn Alpine Cheddar