Rosé wine is created using a small portion of the color from grape skins. Since such a low quantity is used, it doesn’t quite qualify as red wine. Rosé wines range from dry to sweet and pair well with a variety of foods. Common aromas found in rosé include almond, redcurrant, strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit and herbs.
Now that the warm weather is here to stay for some months, a refreshing wine is exactly what you need. Here are some of our favorite (and affordable) rosé wine picks.
This sophisticated dry rosé wine has notes of red currant, pomegranate, strawberry, herbs and lavender. It balances these flavors with a racy acidity and finishes on a pleasantly persistent, zesty note. It is subtly sweet and serves as a great picnic wine.
Pair with: Crab cakes, vegetable spring rolls or sushi
This blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura has notes of passion fruit, peaches and pears. It is supple and syrupy without being too sweet, but has the right touch of sharpness. Unlike most rosés, it’s oaked for a brief period of time.
Pair with: Tuna sashimi, goat cheese or just by itself
This refreshing wine has notes of strawberry, cherry, currants, raspberries, licorice and floral aromas. It is made entirely from Tempranillo and has a balanced acidity. Cune’s 2004 Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja was named Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of the year, so you know this one’s a winner.
Pair with: Pasta, oily fish dishes or pickles
This classic dry Provence Rosé delivers fresh and fruity flavors, like citrus, white peach and red berries featuring floral aromas. It’s made with equal portions of Grenache and Cinsault and is vegan-friendly. Enjoy it by itself or with a variety of complimentary foods.
Pair with: Salads, shellfish or berry-based dishes
This salmon pink, pale wine contains a portion of white grapes like Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. It’s made in the traditional vin gris style, meaning the grapes are crushed and the juice is run off and removed from contact with the skin, leaving the color and flavor compounds from the skin behind. Look for notes of white pepper, citrus, strawberry, cranberry and raspberry.
Pair with: Seafood, pâté or buttery sauces
The optimal wine serving temperatures for rosé wine is 45-55 ° degrees. Although it depends on preference, rosé wine should be served chilled to maximize flavor. Rosé wines are an excellent choice to keep stocked in your collection (especially during the Summer) due to its versatility and capability to pair easily with different dishes.