My "official" rosé tasting duties started earlier this summer. Click here for tasting notes on the wines pictured in the photo.
Are we living in the golden age of rosé? The quality and diversity of pink wines on the market is exceptional and it wouldn't be exaggerating to say that I've sipped more rosé this summer than I have in the last three combined. From all corners of the globe, flirty bottles of rosé wine have arrived at my doorstep with notes attached saying "drink me!" And I've obliged. I've lost count of how many rosé wines I've sipped this season but there's still a lot of summer left and many more wines to discover. Here are five fabulous rosé wines worth exploring!
Attems Ramato Pinot Grigio 2017 ($20)
Friuli, Italy
Not pink, but certainly a rosé in spirit, Pinot Grigio never looked so good! Sophisticated and sultry, this coppery come-hither wine from Friuli is an eye catcher and a palate pleaser. Ramato means coppery in Italian and the unique shade of this Pinot Grigio is the result of the grape skins being in contact with the must for 24 hours. Pinot Grigio from Friuli is some of Italy's finest and Attems lives up to this reputation. Crisp and dry with impressive texture and elegant fruit flavors, Attems is a charming and special vino. (Opinions may differ as to whether or not Ramato should be considered a Rosé wine but I think it is a special member of the family!)
Charles Smith Wines, Band of Roses Rosé 2017 ($12.99)
Washington State, USA
Rock out with this vivacious Pinot Gris rosé from Washington State. Band of Roses was inspired by award-winning winemaker Charles Smith's love of music and former stint as a rock band manager. Don't let the pale hue fool you, this rosé rocks the house and takes the dial up to 11. Crisp and silky with vibrant flavors of Cavaillon melon, lilac, and tangerine.
Rocca di Montemassi Renaissance Rosé 2017 ($17)
Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
Sharp and subtle like an Armani suit, this precise rosé elegantly blends Sangiovese and Syrah. Crisp and dry with lively acidity, Renaissance has graceful & fresh red fruit flavors that are bolstered by a hint of spice and notable minerality. A very sophisticated rosé!
Âme du Vin Provence Rosé 2017($14.99)
Côtes de Provence, France
Provence put rosè on the map and Âme du Vin (Soul of Wine) captures the essence of the quintessential summer wine. Fruity, fresh, and crisp with exuberant flavors of nectarine, citrus, and melon; this juicy vino makes me daydream of sexy sunny days in the south of France.
Frescobaldi Tenuta Ammiraglia "Alìe" Rosé 2017 ($18.99)
Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
An iconic name in Italian wines, the Frescobaldi family's winemaking legacy spans more than 700 years. This delightful rosé lives up to their reputation. Produced at their Ammiraglia estate in Tuscany's coastal Maremma region, the name Alìe was inspired by a fabled sea nymph. With a freshness that captures the minerality of its coastal location, Alie beautifully balances softness and structure. Juicy and fresh with pretty flavors of cherry, nectarine, and pink grapefruit, Alìe is an elegant yet unpretentious summer sip. (If your travels take you to Maremma, I highly recommend a visit to Ammiraglia. I was there in 2015 and it is absolutely stunning.)
