June 24, 2024
Our expert picks for summer rosé
Warm weather calls for pink wine
By Anita Skogland
New bottles of 2022-2023 vintage rosés start to arrive in April, and by June, pink is shining from many wine store shelves. Rosés come in various shades of pink, from very pale, almost pink-grey, to robust dark salmon, and every hue in between. The color does not indicate the flavor or aroma profile. It can be an indicator of grape; however, it usually reflects the winemaker’s production style. Most quality rosé is produced by macerating the skins from red grapes in the extracted juice (which is clear in color) until the color, flavors, acidity and tannin levels meet the winemaker’s standards — usually 10 to 14 hours. Lighter-colored, low-tannin skins from pinot noir yield a more delicate color. Thick, tannic skins like cabernet sauvignon or malbec yield a darker pink. Rosés are usually around 12 percent alcohol, which is an advantage as they go down the hatch quickly on a hot summer day.
We jumped around town to various local wine stores to recommend a variety of bottles in an array of styles for our wine-loving readers.
La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Cotes du Rhone 2022
Wine Vault, $20.99
La Nerthe is a famous producer of Chateauneuf-du-Pape red wine. The property used for this wine is located in Tavel, farther south in the Rhône valley. Delicate strawberry and a hint of citrus and mineral on the nose and palate. Pale pink in color. Pair with grilled shrimp, roasted asparagus, and goat cheese.
Le Cave du Prieure Savoie 2022
Bond Street Wines, $19.99
The Barlet family have made wine for generations in Savoie, France, which is on the border with Switzerland in southeastern France at about a 5,000-foot elevation. The vineyards face west to receive the afternoon sun, allowing the grapes to ripen before frost sets in. This wine is made from the gamay grape, the same grape that is used to make beaujolais. The wine is medium pink in color, packed with bright red fruit flavors, dried herbs and lime on the nose, and medium body. You might want to put a few bottles aside to serve with Thanksgiving meals.
Rezabal Getariako Txakolina Pyrennes, Spain 2023
Bond Street Wines, $23.99
The wines from the Getariako Txakolina region are refreshingly bright, acidic and lively. This wine is no exception. Made from the hondarrabi beltza grape, it has a bit of effervescence on the salty, acidic palate with delicate wild strawberry and lime aromas. It has an elegant finish. Enjoy with many summer foods.
Elk Cove Rosé of Pinot Noir, Oregon 2023
Petit Philippe, $25
Elk Cove is one of the pioneering family wineries who saw the potential for pinot noir in the Willamette Valley. Family owned since 1974, the winery has shared the land with herds of elk since the beginning. Pale in color, the nose has a hint of grapefruit, white flowers and tropical fruit. The palate is dry and flinty. Easy to drink, enjoy with grilled veggies and fruit salads.
Domaine de Pallus Messanges Chinon, Loire, France 2023
Foxcroft Wine Co., $22.99
Winemaker Bernard Sourtais makes highly regarded cabernet franc; his rosé, made from the same grape, reflects a light touch to yield a clean wine with fresh minerality on the palate. The local name for cabernet franc is messanges. Enjoy with hearty salads or gazpacho.
Gonc Cuvee Anna Rosé Slovenia 2022
Petit Philippe, $19
This wine is made from one of the oldest winemaking grapes in the world, zametna crnina (50 percent), blended with pinot noir and blaufrankisch. The grapes are organic and fermented for three months in stainless tanks. The Gonc family has been making wine in Slovenia for four generations. It drinks like a wine from Provence, with strawberry and citrus on the nose and melon, cherry, and light tannins on the palate. Enjoy with watermelon salad, grilled chicken, or cold salmon salad.
Re-Entrant Rosé Dundee, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2022
Reid’s Fine Foods, $20.99
Made from pinot noir, this wine has cherry and violets on the nose with lemon, strawberry, raspberry, and light tannins on the palate. Elegant and bone dry. Enjoy with grilled veggies, burgers, or potato salad.
Le Clef du Recit Sancerre Rosé 2023
winestore, $19.99
Red fruits on nose and palate with lively acidity. 100 percent pinot noir from the Loire Valley provides a wine that will pair well with most of your summer foods. Winemaker Anthony Girard has trained under his brother Nicolas, as well as wine makers in South Africa, New Zealand, and Hungary.
Vallevo Costa dei Trabocchi Rosato Terre di Chieti, Italy 2023
Foxcroft Wine Co., $10.99
A bright pink wine with a screw cap that is meant to be in your fridge all summer. Made from the thick skinned Montepulciano grape, the skin contact is only three hours. Light tannins and grapefruit on the palate with aromas of watermelon and lime zest. Great with pizza, flatbreads, hot dogs, mild soft cheeses, fruit crisps.
