Erik Neilson on November 10, 2017 0 Comments Ah, Rosé. It’s one of the hallmarks of summer for many wine lovers, serving as the perfect transition wine away from winter reds and into the lighter whites that pair so perfectly with warm summer nights. Rosé may be on the more refreshing end of the wine spectrum, but that doesn’t mean it’s reserved only for when the sun is blaring down. Many people overlook just how well-suited certain Rosés are for enjoying during the fall months, as temperatures drop and the chill of winter looms. If you think Rosé wine is just for quenching summer thirst, think again — here are ten bottles that are fantastic to drink while the leaves start to tumble down. 1. Domaine de Tamary Rosé Produced By: Domaine de Tamary Region: Provence (France) Rosé is best enjoyed in relative abundance, which is why many people look for low price points when seeking out bottles to buy in multiples. Domaine de Tamary Rosé fits the bill just perfectly at around $11, and the wine drinks as if it costs $20+. Rose petal and dark berries fill the glass, supported by medium acid and tannins. It’s a blend of 45% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Vermentino, so there’s a lot going on in this wine. A great match for poultry and shellfish, Domaine de Tamary Rosé is certainly one bottle that you should stock up on. 2. Planeta Rosé Produced By: Planeta Winery Region: Sicily (Italy) Most people don’t think “Nero d’Avola” when discussing Rosé, as the grape doesn’t often find itself utilized in the style. Planeta Rosé makes excellent use of the grape, combining a 50/50 split of Nero d’Avola with Syrah. With a bright and vibrant pink color, this wine is as light and smooth as it is elegant. Notes of wild strawberry and light spice are present throughout, with brisk acidity allowing the wine to finish dry and fruity. Perfect for those unseasonably warm fall evenings, and only $16 for a bottle. 3. NV Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé Produced By: Martini & Rossi Region: Piedmont (Italy) An old standby of a sparkler if there ever was one, NV Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé can lift just about anything off the palette, making it extremely food-friendly. It’s one of the most popular wines in Italy thanks to its low price point (about $12 per bottle) and crowd-pleasing characteristics. Expect notes of citrus, elderflower and peach to shine through, and don’t hesitate to pick up a case to keep around for toasts — it’s one of the most economical options available that also lends real notes of quality to every pour. 4. Balletto Rosé of Pinot Noir Produced By: Balletto Vineyards Region: Russian River Valley (California) Fans of the Pinot Noir grape will find a lot to love about Balletto Rosé of Pinot Noir — a steal of a bottle at only $18. This fruity, medium-bodied wine showcases notes of honeysuckle and strawberry in an extremely well-balanced package, utilizing one of the Russian River Valley’s premier grapes to great effect. Vintages of Balletto Rosé of Pinot Noir sell out consistently, so if you want to get your hands on a bottle, act fast upon release, and stock up if you have the opportunity. Balletto Rosé of Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with light meats such as poultry, although it may be a bit much for fish. 5. Milbrandt Vineyards Rosé Produced By: Milbrandt Vineyards Region: Columbia Valley (Washington) Washington’s Columbia Valley is home to some of the finest wines in America at the moment, and the Rosé coming out of the region is no exception. At only $13, a bottle of Milbrandt Vineyards Rosé is the perfect introduction to Columbia Valley wine, constructed from a blend of Syrah and Sangiovese. Its color alone is enough to turn heads, reminiscent of lightly cured salmon or muddled raspberries. With a strong backbone and plenty of fruity flavors to go around, Milbrandt Vineyards Rosé is exquisitely fresh in taste and pairs nicely with cream sauce pasta dishes. 6. Josh Cellars Rosé Produced By: Josh Cellars Region: North Coast (California) Another offering that has been gaining popularity since its release is Josh Cellars Rosé, which sells for approximately $15/bottle. Josh Cellars has long been known for their excellent reds and whites, but their fairly new Rosé is perhaps the most interesting wine in their portfolio. As balanced and drinkable as a wine of this style can get, Josh Cellars Rosé showcases sweet and dry characteristics that play beautifully off one another. One of the best entertaining Rosés available, and typically easy to find. 7. Attems Pinot Grigio Rosé Produced By: Attems Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) On the more interesting and unique end of the spectrum is Attems Pinot Grigio, a Rosé made from grapes that are left in contact with the skins for at least 24 hours. It’s this process that gives the wine its light copper hue, and the nose — laden with rose petals — bursts out of the glass thanks to the maceration technique. Dry with nice tannins and a solid backbone, Attems Pinot Grigio Rosé features medium-plus acid and a zesty medium finish. Pair with spicy foods for an uplifting experience you won’t soon forget. 8. Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé Produced By: Vins Jean-Luc Colombo Region: Provence (France) Another interesting example of the style, Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé utilizes the saignée method during production, in which the grapes are bled of their juice after a short period of contact with the skins. Made from 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvedre, Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé is fruit-forward with notes of raspberries and strawberries framed by hints of bitter herbs. Most people who taste the wine have a hard time believing it can be purchased for only $13, thanks in large part to the unique method in which Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé is produced. 9. Wedding Oak Rosé Produced By: Wedding Oak Winery Region: Central Texas Hill Country (Texas) Believe it or not, some of the best Dolcetto wines are actually coming out of Texas — specifically the High Plains region. Wedding Oak Rosé is a nice example of how Dolcetto can be approached, with its light, almost elegant nose and floral backbone. Wedding Oak Rosé is medium in body and loaded with notes of diluted raspberry syrup. For a domestic Rosé made with Dolcetto, the $18 price tag is certainly quite approachable. This is a great wine to drink around a bonfire with friends and family, but it pairs nicely with hard cheeses at the dinner table, too. 10. Santa Cristina Cipresseto Rosato Toscana Produced By: Santa Cristina Region: Toscana (Italy) One of the first Rosés to ever be produced in Italy is still one of the best! Santa Cristina Cipresseto Rosato Toscana lifts the palette with slight tang and crisp acidity levels, giving off notes of pomegranate and minerals from start to finish. Bright and balanced, there’s a reason why this wine has endured the test of time — it’s truly one of the best $15 bottles of Rosé on the market.
