Summer Rosé Roundup: Crisp, Dry Wine to Beat the Heat
August 18, 2010 by Katie
Filed under Travel + Wine, Wine & Vineyards
Pinot Noir Rosé - Stoller Winery
It’s August and the summer temperatures are still rising…
If you’re a wine lover like me, you’ll notice your varietal priorities shift under such intense heat! Instead of a zippy Zin, you’re looking for a crisp, chilled something to cool off.
One of my favorite wines to drink in the summer is Rosé thanks to this wonderful cultural tradition I picked up in France.
Rosés are often wrongly confused with White Zinfandel, a sweet pinkish wine often found in the hands of wine novices.
These Rosés, however, are at the complete opposite end of the spectrum: elegant, crisp and dry.
Here are a few of my summer favorites:
Barnard Griffin: 2009 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley
Uncomplicatedly dry and delicious. This light, refreshing Barnard Griffin wine has both a discreet nose and taste with hints of strawberry and raspberry.
Enjoy with summer fare such as salads (add craisins!) or sandwiches and a light vinaigrette. Avoid strong cheese, garlic, and spicy hot food when drinking this particular wine.
Drink alone, sip in the sun, relax in a hammock, or pair with a novel.
$12, find at grocery stores in Pacific NorthWest or order from winery website.
DaMa Wines: 2009 Rosé (50% Syrah, 50% Mouvedre)
“Think pink” is the theme for this sexy and fruity rosé.
Drinking DaMa Rosé is like busting open the ripest, coldest watermelon on the hottest day of the year. It’s unbelievably satisfying and refreshing with traces of strawberry.
Just be forewarned: You won’t want to share, so buy extra.
Lay back and relax with a glass or take a few bottles on a girlfriends getaway. Caution: Men love this wine as well. $18, order directly from winery.
L’école 41: 2009 Grenache Rosé – Alder Ridge Vineyard
Read carefully, there will be a quiz at the end of this section. Just kidding…
Educate your palate with a 100% Grenache Rosé from L’école 41.
Rose petals and raspberries are all you need to remember, dear students.
Now for your essay question: Have you tried this wine? What do you think?
$19, check wine shops for stock because 99 cases are already SOLD OUT, it’s that good! Keep your eye on 2010.
Pithy Little Wine Co.: 2009 Sangiovese Rosé, Paso Robles
Why you pithy little… Delicious wine! This is yet another sassy rosé that definitely belongs on the TravelPlusWine Summer Rosé Roundup list.
It’s the blood red orange notes that made this wine particularly refreshing and deserving of such a fine honor!
Express yourself this summer with this fun Pithy California Rosé aged in stainless steel. Only 90 cases were made, so don’t delay and stock up today. $22, order from winery website.
Stoller Winery: 2009 JV Estate Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley (photo above)
As I sat outside the Stoller Winery Tasting Room on the 4th of July, all I wanted was sunshine to pair with such a wonderful Pinot Noir Rosé.
I could smell the cherry blossom and taste the ripe summer strawberries, but I could only imagine how perfect this chilled wine would be with the warm sun touching my skin.
Luckily, I purchased a few bottles just for this occasion! $20, order from winery.
2009 Helix Rosé by Reininger, Columbia Valley
Last but not least, this new dry Rosé comes from Reininger Winery, one of my favorite wineries in all of Walla Walla.
This delicious blend showcases aromas of grapefruit, watermelon, and red berries.
Elegant and tart, this Rosé is a pleasure on the palate, with bright flavors of strawberries and cherries. Enjoy!
Do you have a favorite summer Rosé? Leave a comment and let us know what we’re missing…
I like your review on rosés, but would find it beneficial if you also put the avg. price for each bottle your reviewing and where you can buy it. Thats just my little two cents
Great article 
Thanks so much for your comment Renee, I appreciate it! It’s a totally valid point. I’ll add the information to the post ASAP!
Katie