Good rosé wines continue to see a surge in popularity thanks to their refreshing flavors and versatility. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a good rosé, explore different styles from around the world, suggest food pairings, and recommend ten outstanding rosé wines with good avaiability that your can taste test for yourself.
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What Makes a Good Rosé Wine? What Are The Different Styles?
More than just a pink wine, a good rosé wine is characterized by its balance of acidity, fruitiness, and sometimes, a hint of sweetness. The wine should be refreshing, with flavors that can range from strawberry and raspberry to citrus and melon. The production method also plays a crucial role. The majority of quality rosés are made either through direct pressing of the skins or the saignée (bleeding off a portion of juice) method. Gone are the days of just cheep and cheery pink wine, today you can find a variety of wines from great value to luxury high end.
Styles of Good Rosé
Provence Rosé
France, is renowned for its good rosé. Provence produces dry rosés which are typically light, and characterized by flavors of red berries, citrus, and a hint of minerality. These french rosés often have a pale pink color and are perfect for warm weather. In Summer in Provence, the rosé is know to flow like water.
Interesting Fact: Provence rosés are often made from a blend of grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. This blend contributes to their delicate, refreshing profile, making them ideal for summer sipping.
Spanish Rosé or Spanish Rosado
Good Spanish rosés or Spanish rosados are often bolder and fruitier than their French counterparts. They can range from dry to sweet and are usually made from Tempranillo or Garnacha grapes.
Interesting Fact: Spain produces a wide range of rosados, from light and delicate to rich and full-bodied. Regions like Rioja and Navarra are particularly noted for their high-quality rosé wines, which are great for pairing with a variety of dishes.
Italian Rosé or more accurately Italian Rosato
Italian rosés or Italian rosatos are made in various regions and from different grape varieties. They can be crisp and refreshing or fuller-bodied with more intense flavors. Common varieties used include Sangiovese and Barbera.
Interesting Fact: Rosatos from the Abruzzo region, made from the Montepulciano grape, are known for their robust flavor and darker color. This style often pairs well with heartier Italian fare.
American Rosé
America is producing some really good rosés. Wines from California offer a diverse range of styles. These wines can be light and crisp or rich and fruity and are made from Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Interesting Fact: California rosés have gained a reputation for their vibrant fruit flavors and versatility. Wineries across the state experiment with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques, resulting in a broad spectrum of rosé styles and a great selection across all price points.
Other Notable Styles of Good Rosé
Tavel Rosé: From the Rhône Valley in France, Tavel rosés show deeper color and a full-bodied, dry profile. Grenache and Cinsault are the predominant grape varieties.
Loire Valley Rosé: These rosés, particularly those from Sancerre, are made from Pinot Noir. Despite being from a red wine grape, they show crisp acidity and minerality.
Rosé Champagne: Made in the Champagne region of France, these sparkling rosés can be either dry or slightly sweet and offer flavors of red fruits and brioche.
Suggested Food Pairings
Seafood
Good Rosé wines pair wonderfully with seafood, thanks to their acidity and light fruit flavors. Try a Provence rosé with grilled shrimp or a Spanish rosado with paella. The wine’s acidity enhances the freshness of the seafood, while the fruitiness complements the natural sweetness of shellfish.
Salads
A crisp, dry rosé complements fresh salads perfectly. An Italian rosato with a Caprese salad or a PInot Noir rosé from California with a mixed green salad can be delightful. The wine’s bright acidity and fruitiness elevate the flavors of the fresh vegetables and herbs.
Barbecue
For richer, fruitier rosés, pair them with barbecue dishes. The sweetness and acidity of the wine balance the smoky flavors of grilled meats. A robust American rosé with barbecue ribs is a fantastic combination, cutting through the richness of the meat and adding a refreshing contrast.
Good Rosé Wine To Seek Out Now
Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2022
Winery Overview: Located in Provence, Chateau d’Esclans is producing some of the finest rosés in the world. Whispering Angel is their flagship wine, celebrated for its elegance and complexity.
Tasting Notes: Delicate strawberry, peach, and citrus flavors with a crisp, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing: Ideal with seafood dishes like grilled shrimp.
Approximate Price: $22 Purchase here
Muga Rosado 2020
Winery Overview: Bodegas Muga, located in Rioja, Spain, demonstrates traditional winemaking techniques and high-quality wines. Their rosado is a testament to their craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes: Fresh red berry flavors with hints of citrus and a clean, dry finish.
Food Pairing: Pairs well with paella or grilled vegetables.
Approximate Price: $15 Purchase Here
Il Poggione Brancato Rosato 2021
Winery Overview: Il Poggione, one of the oldest estates in Montalcino, Italy, produces a vibrant and refreshing rosato from Sangiovese grapes.
Tasting Notes: Bright cherry and strawberry flavors with a zesty acidity.
Food Pairing: Perfect with a Caprese salad or pasta dishes.
Approximate Price: $23 Purchase Here
Miraval Rosé 2023
Winery Overview: Produced at the historic Miraval estate in Provence, this rosé has garnered international acclaim. The estate is co-owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Tasting Notes: Fresh red fruit, citrus, and floral notes with a balanced, crisp finish.
Food Pairing: Great with seafood and light salads.
Approximate Price: $25 Purchase Here
Cune Rosato 2022
Winery Overview: Located in Rioja, Can produces , a good rosé that is vibrant and aromatic wine made primarily from Garnacha.
Tasting Notes: On the nose it has an intense aroma of red fruits, currants, raspberries and strawberries,
Food Pairing: appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, pasta, legumes, oily fish and light meats..
Approximate Price: $14 Purchase Here
Robert Sinskey Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2023
Winery Overview: Robert Sinskey Vineyards in Napa Valley produces this elegant rosé from organically grown Pinot Noir grapes.
Tasting Notes: Delicate notes of wild strawberry, melon, and rose petals, a good rosé with a crisp finish.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with fresh salads and light appetizers.
Approximate Price: $39 Purchase Here
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé 2023
Winery Overview: Tablas Creek, located in Paso Robles, is known for its Rhône-style wines. Their Patelin de Tablas Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Counoise.
Tasting Notes: Fresh watermelon, peach, and citrus with a vibrant acidity.
Food Pairing: Excellent with grilled chicken or seafood paella.
Approximate Price: $29 Purchase Here
Gerard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2022
Winery Overview: Gerard Bertrand, based in the Languedoc region of France, produces Côte des Roses, a rosé that is as beautiful to look at as it is to drink. The bottle features a unique rose-shaped base, making it a perfect gift.
Tasting Notes: Notes of summer fruits, roses, and citrus with a fresh, lively finish.
Food Pairing: Pairs well with seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
Approximate Price: $18 Purchase Here
Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rose
Winery Overview: A new release from the legendary pop star
Tasting Notes: An elegant sparkling Prosecco Rosé with notes of fresh strawberries, raspberries and blossom. Brightly textured and crisp palate with a refreshing citrus finish
Food Pairing: fresh tuna, salmon, and avocado rolls.
Approximate Price: $20 Purchase Here
Rosé wines are incredibly versatile and offer something for every palate. From the delicate and dry styles of Provence to the bolder and fruitier rosés of Spain and the U.S., there’s a world of flavors to explore. Pair them with seafood, salads, barbecue, cheese, or even Asian cuisine for a great combination. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or hosting a special event, there is rosé for everyone at any budget.
If rosé isn’t your thing, check out my other guides on Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon
