Freixenet Cordon Negro Rose
(Approximately $11/bottle)
Freixenet (pronounced fresheh-net) is a long-standing bargain in cava. They’re now producing roses!
Yes, please. This sparkling rose is a surprise, goldeny-pink colour. It’s a mix between apricots and tangerines. The palate has delightful bubbles that will wake up your taste buds.
The light floral aromas are balanced with vanilla. The finish is long and has just the right amount of acid. It also retains a lot of the toasty flavours you love in sparkling wines. It’s a must-drink.
Champagne lovers, who aren’t? This is a must-try. It’s also less expensive than Freixenet’s Cordon Negro Brut, which is already very affordable. It’s great with spicy chicken like buffalo wings.
2015 Charles & Charles Rose
(Approximately $10/bottle)
Charles Smith, Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2014 Winemaker-of-the Year, collaborated with Charles Bieler of Three Thieves and Bieler Pere et Fils to produce this rose, often voted the best in the US.
You’ll see why it is so delicious once you have tried it. It is the perfect colour for salmon pink. The aroma is unexpected and is infused with watermelon and herbs. This rose is truly badass because of its flavour. It is light on acidity and has a strong vanilla finish, making it a bold, meaty rose wine.
You’ll be so obsessed with it. There’s a good chance you’ll get addicted to it. It can be served just slightly warm from the refrigerator and any other food that you would normally pair with a large red.
2015 La Galope Comte Tolosan Rose
(Approximately $10/bottle)
Charles & Charles’ boldest offering is La Galope’s Comte tools. This easy-going, simple rose is a blend of Merlot grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Gascony. It has a light melon colour that pairs well with summer salads or as an aperitif all year.
The wine is very aromatic, with strong aromas of red fruits and peaches. It’s fruity and smooth on the palate. This wine’s low acidity and soft tannins make it easy to drink. The finish is much longer than expected and has a comforting smoothness, providing an antidote for the more acidic and aggressive roses on the list.
This rose is a great introductory rose for those who like sweeter whites and soft reds.
2015 Poggerino “Aurora” Tuscan Rosato
(Approximately $16/bottle)
Poggerino’s Aurora Rose is slightly more expensive than other wines on the list. This rose is a strong expression of terroir, and it is well worth the extra money. Poggerino Rosato comes from a family-owned vineyard in a special location in Tuscany.
This wine results from cool fermentation at high elevation and rocky soil. It has a rich, warm, and intense taste that reflects the warmth and richness of the Tuscan sun. It has a deep, rich shade like a tea rose and aromas of citrus and fruit. Although the taste is not sweet, it’s full of minerals and pepper. The finish is long and dry.
Pair it with a Panzanella salad, Portobello ravioli or flavorful pasta in honour of Tuscany. You can also serve it with prosciutto or salami if you don’t feel like being creative. You can also enjoy it all by itself!
2013 Andrieux et Fils “Cuvee Victoria” Cotes-du-Provence Rose
(Approximately $15/bottle)
Provence is the cultural heart of rose wine production. It would be a crime to not include a Provencal wine in this list.
Andrieux et Fils may not be a complex rose as Charles & Charles. However, it is very aromatic and floral with hints of mineral and a bright, refreshing taste with lots of acids. This wine would go well with a juicy steak, or a burger, especially if it were topped with garlicky aioli.
Do not be intimidated by the pale pink apricot colour. While studies suggest consumers are attracted to darker rose wines, blind tastings show that the taste and aromas of the paler varieties win out.
2015 Charles Thomas Cotes-du-Rhone Rose
(Approximately $10/bottle)
Cotes-du rhone roses are said to be a favourite of Ernest Hemingway. They tend to have light acidity and high alcohol and body content. This one is a steal at just $10 a bottle.
The Charles Thomas Cotes-du-Rhone rose is pale and almost white. It blends Syrah and Grenache grapes to give it a sweet start. It then has a dry finish that hits every taste bud. The long, sweet aftertaste of ripe, voluptuous juice fills your mouth. It is scented with strawberries and leaves a spicy, zingy taste on the tongue.
This is a crowd-pleaser, especially for German Riesling lovers. It has a perfect balance of sweetness and savoury. It can be paired with almost any food.
