The summer solstice — the official first day of summer — is here and the warm days call for a glass of crisp, refreshing rosé.
Wineries across the Southern Hemisphere are releasing their latest rosé vintages so local wine shops and restaurants are brimming with a diverse range of pink-hued bottles to elevate your sipping game.
With nearly 30 bottles on my tasting table, I asked my tasting group — two wine professionals, a few casual enthusiasts and neighbors — to join me in selecting recommendations.
We tasted newly-released rosés from a dozen countries across a range of price points, grape varieties and styles.
The following were our favorites:
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King Family Vineyards Crose Rosé 2022 — Virginia
A perennial local favorite from Crozet-based King Family Vineyards, Crose Rosé is made from merlot with a splash of cabernet franc and malbec. A beautiful pink hue, it’s lively and juicy with vibrant acidity that carries flavors of sweet stone fruit, watermelon water and strawberry. It’s even better paired with a watermelon salad. ($25, Westside Produce Provisions, Norfolk)
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Foris Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022 — Oregon
Made from 100% pinot noir grown in the Siskiyou Mountain range in Oregon. Pale salmon in color, this rosé is dry, elegant and aromatic with pink grapefruit and watermelon notes with a zingy finish. This pairs perfectly with salmon. ($17, ForisWine.com). For another delicious West Coast option, check out the light and fresh Hogwash Rose from Napa Valley. ($22, The Porch on Long Creek, Virginia Beach)
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Avantis Amygdalies Rosé 2022 — Greece
This juicy and fruity rosé is made from 100% syrah grown in the semi-mountainous region of the island of Evia. A delicious rosé that says summer in every sip. ($14.25, Great Bottles, Suffolk)
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Planeta Rosé Sicilia D.O.C. 2022 — Italy
The Planeta family has farmed land in Sicily for five centuries but didn’t start its modern winemaking operation until the mid-1980s. This delicious rosé is a blend of nero d’avola and syrah grown near Lake Arancio in Sicily. Delicate pink in color, this rosé is fresh and lively with a medley of hibiscus, wild strawberry, peach and melon notes. This lighter style is great with salads, sushi or as an aperitif. ($18.99, Total Wine, various locations)
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Cora Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosé 2021 — Italy
This wine is between a rosé and a light red in color and body. Made from 100% Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region on the Adriatic coast, this rosé is robust and flavorful with notes of dark cherry, dried citrus and gentle spice. Pairs well with pizza or lighter grilled meats like pork chops. Look to this region for exceptional wines that offer great value. ($21.25, Tinto Wine & Cheese, various locations)
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Wolffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Long Island Rosé 2022 — New York
From New York’s Long Island, the colorful floral label is as vibrant as the juice in the bottle. Copper-pink in color, this rosé is dry and savory with flavors of watermelon, pear and hints of spice. The minerality and vibrant acidity make this a perfect pairing for hot summer days and a range of meats off the grill. ($24, Whole Foods, various locations)
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Domaine Bousquet Gaia Rosé — Argentina
Named for Gaia, the Greek goddess of the Earth, this rosé is made from 100% pinot noir grown in the Uco Valley. Beautiful pale salmon-pink, this rosé is dry and crisp with lively acidity. It’s bursting with aromas and flavors of red berries, citrus peel and white flower notes. Pair this with charcuterie on the patio. ($15, Total Wine, various locations)
Bonus recommendation: If sparkling wine is your jam, look to the Loire Valley of France — De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut is lively and full of red berry flavors. Fizz is always a great way to begin an evening. ($15.99, Whole Foods, various locations)
Frank Morgan, Frank.Morgan@icloud.com
