While I’d happily drink it year-round (or #RoséAllDay), there’s no denying that summer is rosé season. Charming, refreshing, refined – an irresistible pink! “Drinkable” is an understatement and you’ll keep on coming back for seconds (or thirds). #YesWayRosé, can be found under $20! I’ve rounded up my 10 must have summer rosé wines that should be on everyone’s summer wine list. They’ll even keep your wallet happy.
Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé ($18)
This rosé is like the official drink of the Hamptons, and some even call it the “Hamptons water.” This is absolutely one of my favorites! The magnum size is notorious at pool parties. Whispering Angel Rosé from d’Esclans is full of mouthwatering flavor with a lovely texture and aromas of light strawberry, cherry, and a hint of lemon. It hails from Côtes de Provence in the largest appellation of the Provence wine region in south-eastern France. It covers roughly 50,000 acres (20,250ha) of vineyards, which produce the vast majority of Provence’s rose wine. Whispering Angel gained major press in 2015 when news broke that “the French winery would run out of their best-selling rosé in the States by Labor Day. No more Whispering Angel for the Hamptons, what are we going to do…” Can you imagine the panic that set in?
Chateau d’Esclans The Palm Rosé ($17)
This rosé is a sister wine to Whispering Angel from d’Esclans, has fruity notes and a beautiful summer label covered in palm trees. I adore this for a summer hostess gift.
Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé ($22)
The Miraval Rosé is a product of a partnership between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with the Perrin family of Château Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s pretty bottling achieves instant fame. Beautiful, pale, petal-pink color, elegant with bright nuances. A beautiful aromatic expression with aromas of fresh fruit and spring flowers, refreshing acidity, with great minerality and a saline finish. Let’s just hope this one sticks around even though #brangelina split!
Hogwash Rosé ($18)
The rise in popularity of great California Rosé continues and the Hogwash by Tuck Beckstoffer is yet another great example of rosé at its finest! I had the opportunity to visit the Tuck Beckstoffer Estate in Napa and my husband and I had a lovely time tasting their world class wines. Not to mention, the owners are the sweetest people!
This wine is purely and simply summertime in a glass. The Hogwash Rosé displays a pale salmon-pink color and a beautiful and lively nose that showcases aromas of watermelon candy, red cherries, red currant and rose water. Medium bodied, it has incredible vibrancy that combines with its great finish to create a wine that is both a very serious rosé wine but has something for everyone.
Tuck Beckstoffer, who has spent his life in Napa vineyards, created this Rosé of Grenache in a Provence style when he was asked to make a wine for a pig roast at an Atlanta wine auction. It was such a hit that he continued to make it. This year we purchased a case of Hogwash Rosé 250 ml cans which are perfect for beach days. We also buy the 1.5ml bottles because why not right? I love to pair this wine with seafood, BBQ, summer salads and basically everything!
Le Grand Noir Black Sheep Rosé ($12)
This rosé by Le Grand Noir is described as having a richness to the bouquet, with fruit-forward aromas of ripe red cherry and plum. The palate offers a pleasant seam of acidity, lifting the slightly creamy mouthfeel. It finishes fresh, with lingering hints of citrus rind and tart cherry. Visit their website to find out why they use the black sheep as their icon and to find out if sheep like wine! Also, if you have a Fresh Market grocery store near you, stalk their sales. I found this the other day on sale for ‘buy 4 for $28.’ You just can’t beat it!
H to H “Homage to Heritage” Cotes du Rhone Rosé ($10)
This pale pink rosé is blended to deliver the true characteristics of refreshing acidity and red fruit flavors. It is light in body and has delicate melon aromas and flavors. This wine pairs great with seafood and lighter fare.
YES WAY ROSÉ ($13)
This is a perfect casual rosé to pair with charcuterie or seafood. The label is so fun and makes it perfect for toasts or gifts. It’s a pretty pink color with notes of white flowers, fresh stone fruit and citrus. They also offer this in cans.
Bertrand Cote des Roses Rosé ($15)
Fresh, fruity and bold, this wine celebrates the Mediterranean Art de Vivre. Its originality extends beyond the rose-shaped bottle, with notes of summer fruits, cassis and red currant that stem from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from the Languedoc region of France. The finish is fresh and full with notes of strawberry and lingering citrus.
Klean Rosé ($13)
Dry Rosé wines, in general, have less sugar residue in a glass compared to other varieties. This particular one, is a great low calorie California Rosé at only 85 calories per serving. It includes flavors of ripe red berries and citrus.
Moët & Chandon ($60)
My splurge pick is a French Champagne. My best friend gifted this to me recently for my birthday. In the glass, this rosé is a pretty pink with strawberry and cream aromas and flavors. You can never go wrong with bubbles. We love pairing this with seafood.
All of these rosé wines are super affordable and delish when paired with cheese, charcuterie, BBQ or seafood! Need inspiration for your next charcuterie board? Check out my HOW TO CREATE A TRADER JOE’S INSTA-WORTHY CHARCUTERIE BOARD post. I hope this list is helpful and I would love to hear which ones are your favorite!
Cheers and Happy National Rosé Day!