Hecht & Bannier Rosé
(image courtesy Hecht & Bannier)
A perfectly chilled glass of rosé on a warm summer day is one of life's most simple and elegant pleasures. I enjoy sipping rosé all year long but its allure is irresistible when the temperature rises. Ranging in shades of pale pink to rich jewel tones; the visual beauty of rosé is incredibly enticing. Those beautiful hues are generally the result of contact between the grape skin and the juice - the longer the contact, the richer the color of the rosé.
Rosé is produced around the world but Provence is considered the benchmark. According to Wines of Provence, for the 12th straight year, exports of rosé wines from Provence to the United States have grown by double digits!
Image courtesy Wines of Provence
Produced around the globe, rosé is a great way to explore new wine regions and grapes. It is also a delicious and refreshing opportunity to taste a different expression of some of your favorite red varieties. Throughout the summer, I'll be sharing reviews of my favorite rosé wines. Starting with France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and Chile; the five rosé wines listed below are all perfect as apéritifs and also pair beautifully with the foods of the summer season - salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, light pastas, and more!
Hecht & Bannier Côtes de Provence Rosé 2015 ($18)
Provence, France
Grapes: Cinsault (45%), Grenache (30%), Syrah (25%)
The world's largest wine region producing dry rosé, Provençal rosé is incredibly expressive and sets the standard. One of my favorite producers is Hecht & Bannier. Their pale pink Côtes de Provence Rosé has great acidity, minerality and lovely flavors of raspberry, pink grapefruit, rose water, and a subtle touch of lavender.
Mazzei Belguardo Rosé 2015 ($15)
Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese (50%) and Syrah (50%)
This medium-bodied Tuscan beauty is elegantly dry with impressive minerality. Expressive floral & fresh fruit notes capture the essence of Sangiovese and Syrah in a refreshing fashion.
El Coto de Rioja Rosado 2015 ($12)
La Rioja, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo (50%) and Garnacha (50%)
A stunning shade of pink, this medium-bodied vino is crisp and dry with luscious flavors of strawberries, cherries, and watermelon.
Luigi Bosca "A Rosé is a Rosé is a Rosé" 2015 ($22)
Mendoza, Argentina
Grapes: Pinot Gris (60%) and Syrah (40%)
Very pale but extremely nuanced, this medium-bodied wine has a playful name inspired by writer Gertrude Stein. An absolutely lovely rosé with graceful flavors of cherries, strawberries, and a sensational hint of ginger.
Casillero del Diablo Reserva Rosé 2015 ($11)
Central Valley, Chile
Grape: Shiraz
This crowd-pleaser from Chile has a stunning color and elegant flavors of raspberry and pomegranate that are balanced by a touch of spice and minerality. Muy delicioso and a great value!
Stay tuned for more rosé reviews throughout the summer!