05-05-2025
The World's Rosé Wines Range Widely In Color, Aroma And Taste
Rose wine bottles with lobster and oyster in plate
It is that time again when all wine writers are required to file an article on rosé wines simply because so many people tag them to Mother's Day, springtime, summertime and other warm weather events. But far be it from me to perpetuate the idea that rosés are to be forgotten when cool weather drifts in, and to my mind there is no better or more celebratory than rosé Champagnes and sparkling wines.
So here goes, with a bunch of refreshing and sometimes surprising rosés for the next few months' easy drinking.
New York State's Konstantin Frank makes an array of Rosé wines.
Konstantin Frank makes a series of dry roses that belie the idea that roses are 'sweet pink stuff.' The producer's Dry Rosé ($17) is an intriguing blend of (Generous and Layered): An artful blend led by Saperavi––a Georgian favored in the Finger Lakes for body––and Pinot Noir, while its Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir ($20) has lovely floral notes and echoes of red Pinot Noirs. They also make a Dry Rosé of Blaufränkisch ($20) made from an Austrian varietal grown and picked from the Seneca Lake vineyard, It is quite crisp and has an acid edge that makes if good with charcuterie and cheeses.
Roaring '20a artwork on Pale Rosé wine
The Pale Rosé 2024 ($18). This was created by the renowned Sacha Lichine of the Whispering Angel line. It is crisp and has a pale rose color, made from Grenache, Rolle, Syrah and Cinsault for layers of flavor, with a pretty in pink Jazz Age label.
Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé Cava ($16). A Spanish beauty made from organically grown Garnacha and Pinot Noir, aged on the lees for a minimum of 15 months, so it has some heft while remaining a refreshment and bubbles enough for any light food. The grapes are chilled so as to preserve the aromatics in their skins; the varietals are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks for 30 days, blended and put through a second fermentation lasting six weeks then the cava remains on the lees for 15 months.
finely blended non-vintage Champagne from Niclas Feuillatte
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV ($70) is crafted from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier, with charming notes of raspberry and strawberry, a high quality non-vintage sister of its vintage Champagnes from this illustrious house. The dominance of the Pinot Noir expresses its fine fruit while the other give it nuance.
Planeta Rosé 2024 ($20), You can imagine that a Sicilian rosé (rosato, in Italian) will be bigger bodied than most, and this blend of Syrah and Nero d'Avola is a nutty, robust quality that is excellent with seafood of any kind and ideal for an aperitif wine at a god price for parties.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is a partner in the new Invivo Rosé wine venture.
Invivo X, SJP Rosé 2024 ($20). A youthful rosé from South Provence made in a family estate partnership with actress Sarah Jessica Parker as a traditional blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah that is properly dry and goes with the food of the region like fowl and lamb scented with Provençal herbs.
Bertani Bertarosé 2024 ($18). Italy's highly regarded Bertani from Veneto has produced this since the 1930s, now made from a blend of Corvina, Molinara, Corvinone and Rondinella planted on the inland hills of Italy's Lake Garda on young Valpolicella vines. So you get considerable complexity, with berry and spices flavors and a delectable acidity that will accompany dishes like lake fish or pasta with seafood very well.
A very pale Rosé wine from Provence.
Gassier Côtes de Provence ($25). Rosés are the stand-outs of Provence wine and this blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and a touch of Rolle has a touch of the Mediterranean sea salt air n it, making it perfect for hearty seafood dishes like bouillabaisse, crabs and ,lobster
A not-too-expensive Champagne of great elegance.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé ($90). Stock up for summer on this superlative rosé Champagne before the tariffs hit hard. It's made from 40% Chardonnay sourced from the marque's finest crus, 30% and 30% Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier aged on the lees for 36 months, which gives it elegance and finesse. and has a golden rose color and lovely bouquet. It's a splurge for a wedding but then what are splurges for? (It's available in magnums, too.)Very good match with salmon, poultry and cheeses like Camembert and Brie.
Gerard Bertrand French Cancan Vrut Nature Rose NV ($30). A fun, uncomplicated rose sparkling blush wine pf Pinot Noir, Cinsault and Chardonnay, aged for six month, partially on the lees for more body and including some wines from the 2020 vintage.
