Eight Superb Rosé Wines for Spring
Both sparkling and still options, across all price points
With the announcement of Quin Candy’s Rosé Gumdrops it dawned on us that we are once again returning to the season of celebratory pink wines. While the reputation of rosé was all but destroyed during the White Zinfandel heyday, it’s been on the rise for many, many years now—and there are plenty of superb options at an array of price points. The following selections reflect some of our favorites this season, including everything from a $12 debut from Oregon to the pinnacle of luxuriant delight, Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2004.
Underwood Rosé 2014
Already shaking up the wine world with their vibrant, tasty wine in a can, Oregon’s Willamette Valley-based Union Wine Company has now ventured into new territory. Underwood Rosé 2014 is a first for the brand and carries the same lack of pretense seen in their other offerings. It’s a blend crafted from predominantly Pinot Gris grapes, with some Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes. Strawberry and peach stand as the most pronounced notes, in what is ultimately a fruit-forward wine. It doesn’t venture into overt sweetness but keeps things even and enjoyable. ($12)
Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2004
It’s fascinating to see how the climate differences between one year and the next can drastically alter the flavor profile of a product. Last year’s Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2003 carries only the same design DNA as this year’s Rosé Vintage 2004. Everything else reflects the impact of nature and the intuitive senses of Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy. The product of a balanced, smooth growing year, the 2004—which was unveiled a few weeks back—carries the intensity of rich red fruits and yet delivers an extended length finishing with a bit of citrus. It’s delightful, expressive and certainly makes a statement of the Pinot Noir grapes within. ($300)
Domaine de Gourjo: The Gorgeous Rosé
Hailing from the banks of Lake Salagou, in Languedoc, France, the wonderful wines of Domaine de Gourjo carry the knowledge and craft of five generations of winemakers. Still family-owned, Gourjo produces a Coteaux du salagou rosé that blends both Cinsault and Syrah to remarkable effect. There’s a well-rounded delicateness to the wine, coupled with a sustained finish of fresh strawberries. The nuances truly make it distinct, and a worthwhile venture as it enters the US market for the first time. ($16)
Château d’Esclans “Garrus” Rosé
Elegance defines Garrus rosé, from Cotes de Provence’s Château d’Esclans, better than any other word. This is a dress-up wine, produced from both Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino) grapes drawn from very old vines. It’s remarkably complex—activating associations with everything from pear and pineapple to mango and cherries. Creaminess carries throughout a sip, but spice delivers the finishing touches. ($100)
Channing Daughters Winery
On 28 acres in Bridgehampton, New York, Channing Daughters grows a diverse selection of both red and white grapes (and houses their small winery and tasting room). The rest of their grapes are carefully sourced from elsewhere in the Hamptons, the North Fork and other areas of Long Island. Each year they produce an exemplary range of rosé wines, many of which are drawn from one source varietal. ($20-$25)
Jolie Folle Rosé
No rosé round-up is complete without Jolie Folle. More than just recognizable packaging, the wine’s consistent quality, accessible price point and delightful fruitiness make it a reliable option, always. Composed of both Grenache and Cinsault grapes, this wine from Provence carries as much balance as it does impart fun. ($17)
The Ruinart Rosé, NV
One of the most effervescent, aromatic rosé champagnes on the market, Ruinart Rosé, non-vintage, marries Chardonnay (primarily) from the Chardonnay Premiers Crus of the Côte des Blancs with Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne. Cherries mingle with red berries for a well-rounded profile that’s smooth and bright. Altogether, it’s a champagne people associate with affordable luxury and great taste. ($89)
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhone Rosé
Another staple item in the roster of rosé season, E. Guigal Côtes du Rhone Rosé is a wineshop staple in Paris and can be found around the world. This year’s blend is composed of Grenache, Cinsault and a bit of Syrah grapes yielding a dry, berry-forward wine. The process behind the product, with seeking out structure and texture at the forefront, is as distinct as its rich hue. ($19)
Images courtesy of respective brands
