Celebrate National Rosé Day: Discover Your Perfect Summer Rosé
Raise a glass to National Rosé Day! Join the celebration with a selection of exceptional rosé wines perfect for the summer months. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of rosé, this guide will introduce you to some truly delightful options.
Summer is synonymous with rosé. Its refreshing character and vibrant flavors make it the ideal companion for warm weather gatherings, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing by the pool. A good rosé offers a delightful balance of fruitiness, acidity, and elegance, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
National Rosé Day, celebrated annually, provides the perfect excuse to explore the diverse world of rosé wines. From light and crisp to rich and complex, there’s a rosé to suit every palate. Let’s dive into some recommendations that promise to elevate your summer celebrations.
What Exactly Is Rosé Wine?
Rosé wine’s popularity has surged in recent years, with dedicated sections in wine stores and increased availability worldwide. In some regions, like France, rosé sales have even surpassed those of white wine, highlighting its growing appeal.
The color of rosé comes from a process called maceration. Maceration is where the grape juice has contact with the grape skins. Unlike red wine production, where prolonged contact is desired, rosé winemakers carefully control the maceration period. This brief contact allows the juice to extract color and flavor compounds from the skins, resulting in the characteristic pink hue and delicate flavors of rosé.
Winemakers monitor the maceration process closely, removing the skins once the desired color and flavor intensity is achieved. The juice is then fermented, similar to white wine production, resulting in a refreshing and approachable wine.
A Curated Selection of Rosé Wines for National Rosé Day
Here is a selection of excellent rosé wines that are perfect for celebrating National Rosé Day.
Hazelfern Cellars Rosé of Pinot Noir
Hazelfern Cellars, located in Newberg, Oregon, offers both a winter and a spring rosé. The 2016 Hazelfern Cellars Rosé of Pinot Noir ($22) is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes and aged for six months in stainless steel. This rosé is known for its bright strawberry flavors and floral aromas, making it delicious on its own or as part of a summer sangria.
Ponzi Pinot Noir of Rosé
Ponzi Wines is known for its high-quality Pinot Noir releases, so it’s no surprise that their 2016 Ponzi Wines Pinot Noir Rosé ($22) is also a hit. This vintage opens with light floral and vanilla notes, followed by zingy blood orange and strawberry flavors. With minimal residual sugar, it’s a dry rosé that pairs well with salmon, cod, or paella.
Maryhill Winery Rosé of Sangiovese
The Maryhill Winery 2016 Rosé of Sangiovese ($16) is a great value rosé that is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes in stainless steel. It offers a rich, deep pink color and tastes of fresh summer fruits like strawberries, peaches, and watermelon.
Quady North Rosé
The Quady North Rosé ($16) is a unique blend of 48% Syrah, 42% Grenache, 9% Mourvèdre, and 1% Counoise. It is made in Southern Oregon. This rosé has a complex combination of flavors that offer both bright summer berry notes and bigger, heartier flavors.
Rain Dance Vineyards Rosé
The Rain Dance Vineyards Rosé ($22) is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes. It offers classic rosé flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus zest. Only 81 cases of this wine were produced, making it a limited and special find.
Stoller Family Estate Rosé
The Stoller Family Estate Pinot Noir Rosé ($25) is bright and floral with classic summer fruit flavors. It is perfect for enjoying chilled with friends on a porch or patio.
Van Duzer Rosé
The Van Duzer Vineyard Rosé ($20) bursts with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranate flavors. With a bit of crisp summer melon, it’s a wonderful rosé to enjoy with summer picnic foods like fruit medley salad or shrimp ceviche.
King Estate Rosé
The King Estate Rosé is a bolder rosé made with grapes from four distinct mountain blocks on the estate. It is ideal for sipping on a sunny day.
Gilbert Cellars Rosé
The Gilbert Cellars Wahluke Slope Rosé ($20) has a striking coral hue and floral notes, with hints of white pepper and grapefruit from the Mourèdre grapes. This elegant wine pairs well with poached halibut or ahi tuna crisp appetizers.
Domaine Divio Rosé
The 2016 Domaine Divio Rosé is a crisp wine with just enough touch of sweetness. It is currently only available in their tasting room.
Durant Vineyards Rosé
The 2015 Durant Vineyards Rosé ($25) is made with 100% Pinot Noir (Pommard clone) grapes. It offers bright summer berries and soft floral notes, with a crisp and dry finish that pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, and summer veggies.
Three Otters Rosé
Made by Fullerton Wines, the 2016 Three Otters Rosé ($20) has a beautiful bright acidity that is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day. This well-balanced wine offers watermelon, citrus, and strawberry notes.
In Conclusion: Celebrate National Rosé Day in Style
These are just a few of the many delicious rosés available. With such a wide variety to choose from, you’re sure to find a few that you’ll love. Happy National Rosé Day!
What are some of your favorite rosé wines?
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