10 best rosé wines to drink this summer


It has been a hot minute! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe in these trying times.
I bet no one imagined 2020 to start like this. It is heartbreaking to see millions of people lose jobs, livelihood and lives in an unprecedented way. This year is going to redefine our way of living in many ways. Terrible things are happening around us and the way we react to it can be different ranging from anxiety, sadness to boredom and uninspired. We are facing something unprecedented and it is totally normal to feel and react with mixed emotions and be OK with it.
Like everyone else, I have my good days where I am on top of things and days when I feel unmotivated and just lie in bed. At the same time, I am glad and grateful to have this choice and be where I am.
How long is this going to last? No one knows but hopefully not too long. It is, however, going to be a while before life goes back to “normal”.
I presume most of our summer will be spent at home chilling in our backyards and poolside sipping some wine. And what better than a chilled rosé by the poolside? 🙂 If you are confused on what kind of rosé to buy or game to try a new one, check out my list of best rosés to try this summer. You will not be disappointed!
ABOUT ROSÉ WINES
Rosé wines gained popularity in recent times, thanks to more and more dry rosés that are crisp, light and perfect for a hot day. The consumption of rosé keeps rising and the trend is expected to continue. They are refreshing, aromatic and enjoyable at the same time.
- Rosé making is a complex process that involves pressing red grapes and macerating the juice with skins for a short amount of time to extract the color from the grapes.
- While the styles may vary from dry to sweet, dry wines are more popular these days.
- While rosé is a French term, it is also called rosado (Spanish), rosato (Italian) and Weissherbst (German) in other languages.
If you are interested in learning more about wine tasting and how to taste wine the proper way, check out my free guide to wine tasting.
TIP: Rosé wines do not age well. They are to be consumed while young and are known for their freshness. So it is best to buy a rosé vintage that is a year or two years old at the most.
Now let’s look into some of my favorites and best rosé wines to try this summer of 2020!
BEST ROSÉ WINES TO DRINK THIS SUMMER
CLASSICS OF PROVENCE
There is a reason why Provence AOC accounts for over 40% of French rosé production. You cannot go wrong with rosés from Provence. If you can drink one rosé this summer, make it a rosé from Provence. Rosés of Provence range from pale pink to salmon hues and are light, fruity, crisp and are perfect expression of the Mediterranean region! Made from Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault grapes, these wines are a great introduction to rosé. The wines burst with notes of berries, tropical fruits, white flowers and herbs.
I have not listed one producer but the whole region itself because I believe you cannot judge this region by one producer. If you have an option, look for rosés from Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.
Sipping a Provence rosé on a hot day instantly transports me to the sunny, sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. At least that’s the image that always comes to my mind! 😀 And for that reason, they always have a special place in my heart!
LIKE A BOUQUET OF ROSES
Gerard Bertrand Côtes des Roses
Famous for its rose shaped base created by designer Ecole Boulle, this is a widely available rosé. Their website describes this rosé as “A wine to be given in the same way you would offer a bunch of roses!”
Bottle description aside, it is a perfect rosé to sip by yourself or buy as a gift. It is my go-to summer rosé with notes of fresh fruit and tropical aromas. Gerard Bertrand is one of the leading producer from Languedoc region in the South of France and this rosé is one of their finest.
TXAKOLINA OF BASQUE
Ulacia Getariako Txakolina Rosé
This one may be a little hard to find but one of my all time favorites from the Basque region of Spain. It’s unique herbal and earthy finish is great to pair with salads!
ROSÉ FROM THE RIVIERA
Have you noticed the trend here? Most of my rosé wine recommendations are from the Mediterranean region of France. The Mediterranean climate is not only a perfect place to grow grapes but also a perfect place to enjoy them. And another region that is famous for its fine rosés from the South of France is the coastal town of Bandol. Bandol is a sub-region of Provence but I want to give it a special mention because of its fine dry rosés. These rosés are perfect when paired with seafood or by themselves.
FROM THE RHONE RANGER OF PASO ROBLES
An exquisite maker of fine red wines, Tablas Creek Vineyard also produces some great rosé wines. You must try the Patelin de Tablas Rosé and Dianthus.
The Grenache based Patelin de Tablas is one of the best rosé wines produced in Paso Robles. It is an easy drinking wine that is produced in traditional Provence style. And according to their website, Dianthus is “A rosé to convert people who think that pink wines can’t be serious.”
EVEN BETTER THAN A STILL ROSÉ
What’s even better than a still rosé? Sparkling rosés, of course and an ode to my favorites from the wine country of California. The theme here is fresh, fruity and bubbly! These are perfect celebratory wines for those special days. And here are some of my favorites sparkling rosé producers from California.
Domaine Carneros
Korbel Champagne Cellars
Chandon
Mumm Napa
Roederer Estate
Do you like rosé and what’s your favorite rosé? I love trying new wines so let me know below if you have a favorite one! Tag me on Instagram if you decide to buy any of the ones I listed above or comment below!
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Hi there!
I am Aswani Kurra. I am an engineer, dreamer and part-time wanderlust, writer and wine lover. I always had an urge to write, create and travel. So I created this space to satisfy my creative itch and combine all my skills to help you plan your Charming Escape.