With Dallas enduring yet another day of triple-digit temperatures, rosé wine stands out as the ideal summer drink, cherished for its vibrant color and crisp, refreshing flavors. The variety of pink hues, from pale blush to deep salmon, gives a sense of freshness and vitality, while the diverse flavor profiles differ from country to country.
I had the chance to sample 11 rosés from France, Portugal, Italy, Chile, Spain and Paso Robles in the United States.
- 2023 Perrin, Nature, Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé (France) –notes of strawberry, raspberry, citrus, rose petals, herbal notes, and peach. Very typical for a classic rosé from Provence. It’s also an organic wine.
- 2022 Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône Rosé (France) – notes of red berry, pepper, licorice, earth and spice. This is a food wine.
- 2023 Hecht & Bannier, Coteaux d Aix en Provence AOC Organic Rosé (France) – aromas of strawberry, raspberry, melon, and orange blossom. The finish is long and refreshing, with a touch of herbal undertones, including thyme and rosemary, typical of the Provençal terroir.
- 2023 J. De Villebois, Sancerre Rosé (France) – this was a delicate wine with fresh red fruit, rose petals, citrus, herbs and red currants. It had a nice acidity and minerality that comes from the limestone terroir of Sancerre.
- 2023 Leos, Rosé, Cuvée Augusta (France) – notes of strawberries, raspberries, jasmine, lemon curd, peach and melon. This was a more complex rose.
- 2022 Marques de Caceres, Rose (Spain) – notes of red fruit, white peach, grapefruit and herbs. Very juicy and refreshing.
- 2022 Miguel Torres Chile, Las Mulas Rose (Chile) – this was a great wine to drink in hot weather. There were notes of ripe red fruit, rose petals, and citrus with a nice minerality. The fruit lingers.
- 2022 Miles Madeira, Atlantis, Rose (Portugal) – notes of strawberry, raspberry, lemon, grapefruit and flowers. It’s light and crisp.
- 2022 Tenuta di Fessina, Erse, Rose (Italy) – this wine has notes of red fruits, citrus, and flowers. This wine is comprised of the Nerello Mascalese varietal, which has a distinctive volcanic character based on where it is grown.
- 2023 Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas Rosé (Paso Robles, CA) – this Provence style of wine has notes of nectarine, peach, watermelon, rose petals, strawberry, and jasmine.
Most rosé is made to enjoy immediately but I did attend an interesting session at TEXSOM back in 2019 where we talked about key success factors for aging.
With vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, rosé wine offers a delightful escape from the summer heat. From the classic Provençal style to the distinctive volcanic character of Etna Rosés, there’s a rosé for everyone.
