National Drink Rosé Day is this Saturday, June 11, 2016! So for this week's Wine Wednesday, I thought I would share five of the top rosé wines to try this weekend.
Happy National Drink Rose Day!
This Saturday is National Drink Rosé Day! Meanwhile August 14th is International Rosé Day -- so take note and celebrate again in two months!
With the rise of both temperatures and the number of wineries making incredible rosé wines, I felt like this was one national wine day I couldn't ignore. Especially because I've found that so much of the country still thinks of rosé as only being that sickeningly sweet White Zinfandel that you find on the bottom shelf of the grocery store and first tried at Aunt Betty's house because she bought cases of it at Costco in 1989 and can't get rid of it. White Zinfandel is unfortunately still one of the best selling rosés in the United States, but I hope to change that by introducing more people to the AMAZING other types of rosé!
Bottom shelf wine, no more, folks. Today's rosé is beautifully crafted into refined and elegant wines that are perfect for summer sipping at picnics and barbecues.
What is Rosé Wine?
The color of the wine you are drinking comes from a process called maceration. Maceration is when the juices of the grapes have contact with the skin of the grapes.
Much like nervous parents watching over their adolescent child on his/her first date, winemakers only allow the juices to have little contact with the grape skins in order to create rosé wines. Once the wine reaches a color that makes the winemaker happy, the skins are removed and then the juice ferments.
Are rosé wines sweet or dry?
Rosé wines can be either sweet or dry. It all depends on the style the winemaker chooses to make the wine.
What grape varietals are used to make the best Rosé wine?
There are many types of rosé wines. The most common varietal used to make the best rosé wine is Pinot Noir. However, I personally love a beautiful Grenache rosé, and have had some lovely Malbec rosé wines as well.
Below are three of the main styles of rosé wine you will find in the Pacific Northwest, along with five of my current favorite bottles. Try these and let me know what you think!
Pinot Noir Rosé
Color: Watermelon pink
Pair with: grilled chicken, summer salads, strawberry shortcake, sunshine and happy hour laughter
In the land of Pinot Noir, you can guess that this is the style of rosé that is most often made in the Pacific Northwest. And as a true Oregonian, it's my favorite. I love the crisp, bright acidity that you get with this Oregon rosé wine, and the summery aromas of raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon.
I love the 2015 Durant Vineyards Pinot Noir Ava Lucia Rosé ($25). Made from 100% Pommard Pinot Noir grapes and fermented 100% in stainless steel, this is a clean, well-balanced Pinot Noir.
I also recommend trying the 2015 Stoller Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Rosé ($25). This whole cluster, stainless steel Oregon rosé wine has subtle floral aromas and is packed with flavors of watermelon and guava.
The 2015 Willamette Valley Vineyards Rosé ($24) is another Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé that I recommend. I love so many wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards, and this rosé is made with the same refined skill that all of their wines are made with.
Mourvèdre Rosé
Color: pale coral
Pair with: antipasto platter, herbed goat cheese, a big backyard party with friends against the backdrop of the setting summer sun
During a Yakima Craft Beverage Tour that I took this spring, I fell madly in love with the 2015 Gilbert Cellars Wahluke Slope Rosé ($20). First, the color is so striking. It's not what most people think about when they think of rosé wine. It's a stunning coral hue that looks like it belongs on an elegant ball gown. While it is a floral rosé, the Mourèdre grapes give this Washington wine some weight and hints of white pepper and grapefruit.
Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
Color: rich ruby red
Pair with: steak and cheese crostini, bacon wrapped dates, shared secrets under the summer night sky
If you're looking for a bolder rosé that is still bright and lively enough to enjoy on a hot summer day, try a Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé like this one from AntoLin Cellars in Yakima, Washington.
This Washington wine is like the red wine-lover's rosé: it has more body than most rosé wines. It also has a slightly longer finish.
Which of these rosés would you like to try the most? What do you think is the top rosé wine?
I received some of these wines as media samples but have also purchased bottles on my own because I love them so. As always, all opinions and photos are my own.
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
Great roundup Marlynn - Many that I haven't tried yet which is awesome, because I peeked in the fridge last night and realized that we only have ONE bottle of rosé left! Time to stock up with some of your picks!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Erin! Only ONE bottle of rosé left... oh no! That's a rosé emergency if I ever heard one! Summer stock up time for sure! :-) Cheers!
Brianne says
Great roundup! I think I've only tried about half of these, so will definitely need to seek the others out. I had no idea National Drink Rosé Day was this Saturday, but it's definitely a holiday I will partake in. ;)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Brianne! I think any Saturday is a good excuse to drink rosé, but especially this Saturday! ;)
Erin says
I am all about the rose! I don't think I've tried any of these but I do really like Durant and Stoller so I'll have to be sure to give these a try! I have a really lovely bottle from Domain Drouhin for a splurge. For a cheaper, more weeknight bottle, I like the La Vieille Ferme!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ooh I will have to try the Domain Drouhin rosé. Thanks for the tip, Erin! I've also tried the La Vieille Ferme and that's a great weeknight bottle, for sure!
Kirsten says
This is a great roundup! I'll have to try some!
Mukund Madhav says
Absolutely stunning. I will try out some! :)
Valerie says
I absolutely love Rose wines. Thank you for the list going to see if I can get them around here. I"m a farmgirl in OK.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Valerie! If you have any trouble finding them in your area, most of these wineries will happily ship them to you if you call, and they can also help you find a local seller, since that info changes sometimes too quickly to keep updated on the web.
Hannah says
Yes, I love rose! A few months ago, my parents, boyfriend, and I went to a rose only wine tasting event at a local vineyard. It was so much fun and the wine was awesome. I'll have to check out some of your suggestions.Thanks!
- Hannah, thecatsandcoffee.com
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Oh what a fun event, Hannah! I hope you found some good ones at that tasting! Thank you :)
Catherine says
I saw your video on Facebook! And I have been anti-rose' for a long time, but I've been seeing a lot about pinot noir rose'. So I think it's time I gave it a chance.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I think you'll like some of the Pinot Noir rosés, Catherine. Thanks for watching the FB Live segment! Cheers! :)
Rachel says
I'm 100% on board with this celebration! How fun!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Cheers, Rachel!
Denay DeGuzman says
Mmm...I love rose! And you've got a great round-up of fabulous celebratory wines. My hubby and I are over at BevMo at least once a month to pick up wines for parties and get togethers. I now have my eye on 2015 Stoller Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Rosé. You immediately piqued my interest when you mentioned flavors of watermelon and guava! :-)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
The Stoller rosé is a really lovely one that I think you will enjoy! Thanks, Denay!
Rachel says
I love Rosé! I particularly like the pinot noir rosé. The color is so light and fun! I'll definitely have to pick up a bottle tonight. :) Thanks for sharing!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Pinot Noir rosé tends to be my overall fave as well. Thanks, Rachel!
Meg says
I didn't know it was Rose day tomorrow... guess that means I deserve a drink tomorrow night! ;-) Thanks for sharing Marlynn!