The Rosé season has begun. This year I’ve attended a lot of events dedicated to featuring the latest releases of this pink wine. I’ve decided to compile a list of some of my favorite European rosés. They are organized by country and all are under $15 except for the Bandol Rosé. The quality of the wines was fantastic and the value was outstanding.
France
2015 Domaine Saint Remy Ehrhart Rosé
Located in Alsace, this producer is certified organic and biodynamic. This lovely pale salmon colored rosé is made from Pinot Noir. Wild strawberries and succulent watermelon on the nose and palate with a light, delicate, juicy finish. It’s very refreshing!
2015 Mas des Bressandes Rosé
This producer practices sustainable winemaking. The result is a wine that really delivers on the quality for a fantastic price. Definitely on my best buy list. The wine is comprised of 50% grenache, 30% syrah, and 20% Cinsault grapes. It’s made rosé de saignee style. It’s a beautiful pale pink color. Delicate aromas of flowers, strawberries, and red berries give way to a light style on the palate which is guaranteed to quench your thirst. It’s a must have for spring and summer!
2015 Domaine du Tariquet Rosé
This rosé is the number one seller in Bordeaux. Famille Grassa really knocks it out the ballpark with this one. A very pale salmon color with heady aromas of flowers, strawberries, and raspberries. It’s crisp and fresh on the palate. Can anyone say “take me out to the ballgame” as this rosé is a winner!
2014 Chateau de Pibarnon
One of my all time favorite pink wines year in and year out comes from Chateau de Pibarnon. Sure it costs more than most other rosés but it is totally worth it! This Bandol rosé is made from 65% Mouvedre and 35% Cinsault grapes. Citrus and strawberry on the nose and palate. It’s fresh, elegant, medium bodied with a juicy finish. Pair this wine with salads, fish, and grilled chicken. It’s perfect anytime.
2015 Domaine du Dragon Rosé
A new wine from the Cotes de Provence. It’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle that has been direct pressed for fresh, bright fruit. Dry, spicy. My new wine to watch Game of Thrones with! Pick up a case or two and enjoy season 6. Bring on the dragons!
Domaine du Pegau, Pink Pegau 2014
This estate is located 4 miles from Chateauneuf du Pape. The wine is made of 70% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, and 10% Clairette. A wonderful pale salmon colored wine with floral notes, red fruit and peach aromas. It’s dry, crisp and has mouthwatering acidity. I find this wine extremely charming.
La Font du Vent, 2011 Les Promesses, Cotes du Rhone
This estate is owned by the Gonnet family of Domaine Font de Michelle. It’s situated along the old Roman road that used to run from Rome to Spain and the terroir is very much like that of Chateauneuf du Pape. The wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault and Carignan grapes. A very appealing nose of red cherry, strawberry, and raspberries. It definitely goes down well on a warm, sunny day. The name Les Promesses means “the promises” and this wine definitely made good on its’ name.
Magali Signature 2015- Cotes de Provence Saint Andre de Figueliere
Owner Alain Combard started his winemaking career in Chablis and returned to his homeland, Provence to establish his own estate 22 years later. The varietal composition of this wine is 30% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Grenache, and 15% Cinsault which I find makes it incredibly unique for the region. It’s got an attractive bouquet of red fruits, citrus, and white flowers. On the palate it’s more about pink grapefruit, apricot, and watermelon flavors. Incredibly clean with fantastic freshness, great minerality, balanced acidity, and a juicy finish make this wine superb! It’s going to be a ringer in my home as it will pair well with Mediterranean food, spicy dishes and all kinds of curries.
Chateau Mourgues du Gres, 2015 Galets Rosés
Located in Costieres de Nimes, Chateau Morgues de Gres was founded in 1990 by vigneron Francois Collard (formerly of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild). Since his inaugural vintage in 1993, Francois unique style and taste for innovation have won him international acclaim. The Galets Rosés was made from a blend of Syrah and Grenache. It’s a fun-filled, fruity adventure in your mouth as you behold the wondrous tastes of strawberry, red currant, and raspberry which culminate in a fresh and lengthy finish.
Chateau Morgues du Gres 2015 Fleur d’Eglantine
Another great rose from Francois Collard. This one is a combination of Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan. An extremely aromatic bouquet of roses, peonies, and wild strawberries. Crisp, lightweight, balanced acidity, and a wonderful mouthfeel with have you reaching for another bottle. Sip this solo or enjoy it with Asian cuisine, Paella, and grilled fish. An exquisite wine to enjoy the best of summer with.
Italy
Proprieta Sperino Rosa del Rosa 2014
Sign me up for more of this scrumptious rose made from 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina. Having spent 12 hours on the skins it really managed to pick up great structure and complexity. The bouquet of roses, dried herbs, and red cherry really showcases the Nebbiolo grape. Crisp with great minerality and balanced acidity, this wine grips you in it’s clutches.
Dogajolo Toscano Rosé 2015
Made from 100% Sangiovese that is fermented on the lees. Very floral nose sprinkled with clusters of red cherries. So fresh and vibrant! A great wine with great packaging means this wine would make a fantastic gift.
La Spinetta, Il Rosé di Casanova 2015
It’s sure to be a sensational summer when you sip this wine as you soak up the sun. This is a perennial favorite so don’t wait to long to stock up as it will sell out! Made in Tuscany so fun in the sun is what this wine is all about. The vines have an average age of 17 years. The blend of 50% Sangiovese, and 50% Prugnolo Gentile grapes spend 1 hour on the skins. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect pale pink color! An intoxicating bouquet of roses, flowers, and peaches are captured in the glass. Fresh, nicely balanced with good acidity, and a refreshing finish will have you keeping your cool in the summer heat. This rosé is a perfect compliment to appetizers, fish, and poultry.
Rocca di Montegrossi 2014 Rosato
Another terrific rosé from Tuscany. This time the Sangiovese is blended with a little merlot to give a deeper bouquet of fresh red cherries. On the palate it’s delicate texture, and crisp acidity will have you salivating for another glass.
Azienda Agricola Cavalchina 2014 Bardolino Chiaretto
This is a great Italian wine from the Custoza region in the Veneto. This rosé is made from the same grapes used in Amarone wine. It’s a blend of 55% Corvina, 35% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara. A lovely bouquet of orange blossoms, apricot, strawberry, and rhubarb. A beautifully balanced, elegant, refreshing wine that’s always a crowd pleaser. It pairs well with almost any type of shellfish and summer cuisine.
Fattoria Villa Ligi Pergola Rosato Fiori
Fun, flirty and fruity describes this lovely rosé made from 100% Vernaccia rossa di Pergola (Aleatico clone). Rose hips and ripe red raspberries on the nose entice you to revel in the the rich, flavorful, well balanced wine. A unique twist on rosé from the Tonelli family who are currently in their third generation of winemaking.
Spain
The following wines are all under $10. It’s hard to beat Spain on the quality to price ratio of their rosés.
Sierra Cantabria 2014 Rosado
This rosé from the Rioja is a blend of 50% Viura, 30% Garnacha, and 20% Tempranillo. It’s a bright salmon color. Fragrances of strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate, watermelon invite you linger over the mouthwatering finish. This wine is packed with pleasure.
Vega Sindoa Rosado 2015
A great little rosé from Navarra made of 100% Grenacha. Ripe cherry and raspberry flavors with slight spice. This would be perfect with grilled chicken and fish.
Protocolo 2015
Enjoy this inexpensive quality rosé from La Mancha. At $5 a bottle it’s a steal! It makes for a perfect girls night out. This easy drinking rosé is made by the Eguren family who are famous for a number of estates including Sierra Cantabria, San Vincente, and Teso la Monja among others. This wine is made from Tempranillo and Bobal grapes. Notes of raspberry and citrus make this one refreshing and very pleasing wine. The only drawback is you may not know when to quit sipping it.
