Summertime is Rosé Time

By Bob Lipinski

I just love the summer, spending lazy days by the pool or on a sun-drenched beach, leisurely dining on cold salads and raw seafood, while sipping glasses of chilled rosé wine. Rosé is not simply a go-in-between from white to red, but a wine that’s enjoyable summer, autumn, spring, and even winter. There are so many to choose from and produced globally from an endless number of grape varieties and blends.

Some rosé wines I’m enjoying this summer are…

2021 Tre Monti Poche Ore Sangiovese “Rosato,” IGT, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. (Made with organic grapes). Several hours of skin contact produced a deep pink color with a fruity, citrus aroma, with hints of melon, strawberries, ginger, mint, and herbs. Tangy flavors of orange excite the palate with its freshness. The pleasing finish is soft and off dry. Serve it with a roasted duck in a sweet and sour sauce.

“Vermut Flores” Rosé Vermouth from Uruguay. It’s a Tannat wine-based vermouth made with 27 botanicals including four flowers (roses, hops, elderflower and chamomile). A lovely pink color leads to a complex aroma of spices, herbs, and berries. Off-dry with flavors of thyme, peaches, and dried flowers. Chill and serve with prosciutto and melon.

2022 Rumor Côtes de Provence “Rosé,” France. Blend of Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Tibouren grapes. (Certified Organic and Vegan). Salmon colored with a flowery bouquet and taste of raspberry, white flowers, orange peel, and stone fruit. Dry with overtones of pink grapefruit, pomegranate, and lime. Lingering aftertaste of fresh-cut flowers. I enjoyed it with a butter sautéed halibut and citrus juices.

2023 Esprit Gassier Côtes de Provence “Rosé,” France. Blend of Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah, and Rolle grapes. (Certified Organic). Pale coppery color with a floral aroma of peach, mango, melon, and spices. Dry with flavors of clementine, spices, and citrus jam. A subtle finish of menthol and aftertaste of white pepper. Pair it with skewers loaded with grilled chicken and pineapple.

2023 Chapoutier “Bila-Haut” Rosé, IGP Pays d’Oc, Languedoc Roussillon, France. Blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsaut grapes. Lovely color with a fruity, floral aroma of watermelon, rhubarb, strawberries, and herbs. A touch of acidity keeps the red cherry flavors alive through its wonderful aftertaste. I enjoyed this wine with a Nicoise salad at a picnic.

2023 Ferraton Samorëns “Côtes du Rhône,” Rosé, France. Blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsaut grapes. Intense, bright color with an abundance of red berries, and whiffs of cherries, tangerine, and herbs. Notes of watermelon and minerality in the mouth round off this fresh and enjoyable wine. A platter of summer fruits and mild cheese, dotted with mint leaves, works well.

2021 FIOL Prosecco “Rosé,” DOC, Extra Dry, Veneto, Italy. Blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes. Coral colored with an elegant bouquet of raspberry, strawberry, white flowers, and sandalwood. Flavors of citrus, pears, peaches. Hints of earth in the aftertaste. (Note: FIOL is a term of endearment for a young man, originating from the old Venetian Republic language (1400s), similar to “son” or “chap” in English.) This bubbly pairs well with raw oysters with a mignonette sauce.

2022 Corvezzo Prosecco “Rosé,” Extra Dry, Veneto, Italy. (Made with organic grapes. A blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes.) Beautiful cut glass bottle that shimmers in the light. Bright salmon pink with an intense aroma of wild strawberry, orange peel, and white flowers. Off-dry with flavors of citrus, peaches, and nectarine. Try it with pan-seared scallops in a butter, tarragon, and caper sauce.

2023 Domaine Bousquet “Rosé,” Mendoza, Argentina. (Made with organic grapes.) A lively wine with a salmon color and delightful aroma and flavor of orange zest, pears, and pink grapefruit. Just the right amount of acidity and fruit, coupled with plums and cherries in the aftertaste. Fish tacos garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of lime works for me.

NV Domaine Bousquet Sparkling “Rosé,” Mendoza, Argentina. (Made with organic grapes. Blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.) Delicate aroma of red fruits… cherry and raspberry, coupled with citrus, apples, and plum. A fruity finish with an aftertaste of tropical fruit. Pairs well with stir-fried pork with ginger and garlic.

2023 Domaine Bousquet “Gaia” Pinot Noir “Rosé,” Mendoza, Argentina. (Made with organic grapes.) Dry and medium-bodied with an aroma of stone fruit, pears, and citrus. Lovely flavors of orange peel, nectarines, and red berries. A crispy aftertaste of white peaches. Serve with grilled tuna marinated in teriyaki sauce.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com