For our first wine panel of 2021, we asked panelists to taste and rate rosé wines. This remains one of the hottest styles in the industry. The array of rosés wines our panelists reviewed also reflects how broadly the category has expanded.
As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine’s retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). Unless noted otherwise, the price reflects a 750-ml. bottle.
If you’re a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you’re interested in participating in the panel, please contact managing editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 763-383-4447.
(97) Champagne Henriot Rosé Millésime 2012 (France)
Produced with a little over half of the blend using chardonnay, the wine is exceptionally well focused, with a bright core. Pinot noir makes up the balance, adding weight, an elegant character and lovely red fruit aspects on the nose and palate. The finish is long and lingering. Brought into the American market only once every 10 years, the wine does not need a special occasion to open. Opening a bottle, and enjoying its world-class quality and character, creates a special occasion, all by itself. ($125)
(95) Herdade do Rocim Mariana Rosé 2020 (Portugal)
From central Portugal’s heartland, and one of its most accomplished wineries, this rosé is produced from touriga nacional and aragonez. Bright and lively in the mouth, the pale pink color is one clue to it elegance and class. Extremely versatile, the wine would be a wonderful match with grilled fish or chicken, as well a wide range of cheeses and pâtés. ($14.99)
(94) Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc “Oeil de Perdrix” 2019 (CA)
A treat for the palate. Ripe strawberries, red grapefruits and a hint of jasmine and spice. Very food-friendly. ($21.99)
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(94) Puech-Haut Argali Rosé 2019 (France)
A stunning blend of grenache and cinsault fills the mouth with notes of crushed strawberries, papaya and melon, before surrendering to a long delicate finish hugged with peach essences. A splendid wine that deserves to be in an ice bucket near you. ($19.99)
(94) Daou Rosé 2019 (CA)
A rather youthful winery in Paso Robles that has produced world-class wines almost from day one. This rosé keeps the love rolling with generous notes of fresh-squeezed strawberries, nectarine and orange peel, expanding in the mouth lavishly. A long, seductive finish caressed delicately with peaches and passion fruit. A fabulous wine that needs to be in everyone’s refrigerator. ($19.99)
(94) Inazio Urruzola Txakolina Rosé (2019)
From the heart of Basque country, this lovely salmon-tinted wine is a blend of two indigenous grapes, hondarr abi zuri and and hondarr abi beltza. The combination provides a fresh and energetic wine; a touch lower in alcohol, with an ability to match with a wide range of cuisines. A great wine to introduce to customers looking to expand their palates, and get out of the “same old, same old” wine rut. ($20)
(94) Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence Rosé (CA)
Mendocino County is well known for its cool climate, and potential for fashioning superb sparkling wines. Scharffenberger was one of the pioneers of producing sparkling wines in the region, and their expertise is well demonstrated by this elegant and supple sparkler. Subtle red fruit is a key component to both the nose and palate, which finishes in a long and balanced manner. ($29)
(93) Chateau Gigery Provence Rosé 2020 (France)
Classic, fresh and delicate Provence rosé with pale pink color. The wine is complex yet beautifully simple at the same time, with a silky texture, and finishes with a bright burst of citrus. ($24.99)
(93) Chanoine Brut Cuvee Rosé NV (France)
Showing a powerful nose and palate, this Champagne is approachable and impressive. Black fruit notes are subtle, hiding behind the red fruit-centric profile, and all coming together with a plethora of bubbles and chalky minerality. ($34.99)
(93) Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé (France)
A stunning blend of pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet fran, and a touch of chenin blanc. A softer salmon color in the glass, the nose is quite fragrant, with red fruit notes. The palate is lush, with enough acidity to support the fruit, and has a long and balanced finish. ($18)
(93) Tomero Rosé 2019 (Argentina)
Produced from pinot noir, grown at over 3,000 feet in altitude, the cooler climate contributes elegance and a focused liveliness to its profile. Pale salmon in color, the red fruit aspects of the pinot noir really shine through. The wine has a lovely texture, with a long, attractive finish. ($14.99)
(93) Campuget 1753 Rosé 2019 (France)
This Costieres De Nimes is 80% syrah and 20% vermentino. It is a delightful, truly pink rosé. Red fruit and berries on the nose. Luscious, soft mid-palate and a long, crisp citrus finish due to the vermentino. Pairs well with salads, olives, cheeses and barbeque. A superior rosé from the Rhone Valley. ($14.99)
(92) Mateus Dry Rosé 2019 (Portugal)
Mateus should be a familiar name to anyone in the wine industry. Produced from baga and syrah, the wine has a lovely pink hue, with subtle notes of red fruit. The extended aging of the wine, on its lees, adds complexity and texture. The wine is exceptionally versatile in terms of food matching. Some customers may buy it for the nostalgia factor, but they’ll return to buy more, due to its quality and superb value. ($12.99)
(92) Chateau Fabragues Costieres de Nimes 2020 (France)
This striking fresh wine has aromas of strawberry and citrus mixed with delicate notes of green apple. The palate offers sharp focus, zippy minerality and a crisp refreshing finish. ($19.99)
(92) Samuel Robert Rosé 2020 (OR)
Rich red cherry and bright raspberry flavors are all over the nose of this elegant Willamette Valley rosé. This impressive wine shows its intricacy with a backbone of acidity, balancing out the fruit and floral notes. ($16.99)
(92) Alyssa Pays d’oc Rosé 2019 (France)
Delightful, light, crisp and easy blend of cinsault, grenache and syrah. Lots of inviting aromas of wild strawberry with hints of raspberry and wild roses. Perfect with BBQ or a tray of fun appetizers. ($10.99)
(92) LaPlaya Dry Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Chile)
Always one of the best values in rosé, this delivers once again. Deliciously packed with flavors of ripe strawberries, raspberries and kiwi that rain down on the palate, finishing beautifully with a kiss of rose petals. Case-buys should be the norm. ($9.99)
(92) Le Charmel Cotes de Provence 2019 (France)
Glorious salmon color. The coastal influence near Bandol offers terrific minerality and a whiff of raspberries and white flowers. A chunk of goat cheese does well with the pear and strawberry palate. Made from cinsault, grenache, mourvedre and rolle. ($15.95)
(92) Schäfer Dry Rosé 2019 (Germany)
Produced from organically grown pinot noir grapes, the color is a brilliant pink with salmon hints. The nose and palate share subtle red fruit characteristics, with hints of tree fruit. Its lively mouthfeel is complemented by the long finish. ($14)
(92) Belasco de Baquedano ROSA de Argentina Brut Nature Rosé
(Argentina). An elegant, sparkling rosé of old-vine malbec, this wine has a lighter salmon tint in the glass. The nose showcases mostly red fruit, with black fruit notes. The palate is lively, with good structure, and an extended and balanced finish. ($20)
(92) Tesoro della Regina Prosecco Rosé NV (Italy)
A nice light pink color with elegant intensity on the nose and a palate that shows freshness. Heavy on the golden apples and pears, the slight raspberry and cherry notes give the wine some lift and fun. ($18.99)
(92) Levert Cremant de Bourgogne Rosé 2016 (France)
Beautiful aromas and tastes of blackberries and Bing cherry show layers and complexities from the fruit to the grippy finish. The bright mineral driven backbone lifts this wine and gives it a playful texture. ($18.99)
(92) Belrose Rosé Mediterranee 2020 (France)
The aromatic bouquet of white fruits and citrus meld together with fresh red fruit notes. Hints of nectarine and peach are silky, smooth and generous on the palate, leading to a lengthy finish. ($19.99)
(91) Faustino VII Rosé Rioja 2019 (Spain)
This 100% tempranillo has an intense color almost reddish in hue. It is crisp and bright. Plenty of berry and red plum notes. Lingering finish. Perfect summer pairing with cold cuts, cheeses, cold chicken or quiche. ($10.99)
(91) San Gregorio Rosé 2020 (Spain)
Stylish with flashes of brazen red fruit flavors and crisp refreshing citrus notes. The ripeness and brightness shines through and makes this muscular Calatayud wine noteworthy and mouth-filling. ($12.99)
(91) Guy Mousset Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2020 (France)
Quintessential refreshing rosé with an edge to it, showing genuine depth. This zesty and zippy wine dances across the palate with notes of citrus, strawberry and green apple. ($16.99)
(91) La Grand’ Vigne Rosé Coteaux Varois 2020 (France)
This Provence beauty is packed with minerality. It stays round on the palate, letting more intensity and complexity show through from top to bottom. A smooth and balanced wine. ($15.99)
(91) La Vostra Sparkling Rosé NV (Italy)
The red, fruit-forward initial flavor is followed by a fruit-centric finish, steady, with strong notes of strawberry, apples, white peach and cherry. The finish is smooth, with a bright savory mineral back one that keeps this Venetian wine bright. ($10.99)
(91) Borrasca Prosecco Rosé 2019 (Spain)
This refreshing, crisp sparkler shows strawberry and tropical notes paired with a smooth structure. Minerality and fine bubbles balance out the light ripeness and keep the wine energetic. ($13.99)
(91) Armani Prosecco Rosé NV (Italy)
A green apple background is laced with cherry flavors and a creamy texture that complements the fruit. Dry and soft, this well-balanced prosecco has a round softness to it that opens up to a full-bodied structure. ($15.99)
(91) Filipa Pato NV “3B” Brut Rosé (Portugal)
Nothing says summer like a nice rosé — even better when it’s sparkling (and organic). An 80/20 blend of red-skinned baga and white bical, this is a rich, creamy and vibrant bubbly. Refreshing fruit flavors, hints of raspberry and balanced acidity. Great with grilled lobster. ($14.99)
(91) Château Ste. Michelle Rosé 2018 (WA)
Easy to find and easy to enjoy. Crisp and Provencal in style. Lots of red berry, melon and spice. ($15)
(91) Unshackled Rosé 2019 (CA)
A wonderful and complex rosé with lots of subtle flavors that evolve. There is a gentle strawberry and citrus flavor from start to finish, complimented by the balance of acidity. Fresh and crisp. ($22) BD
(90) E.Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2019 (France)
Full bodied, rich, with fresh cherry, berry, white peach and melon. Grenache, cinsault and syrah. Perfect with a chicken tikka marsala. ($15.95)
(90) Balbo Rosé of Malbec 2019 (Spain)
Good skin contact gives this rosé lush tannins and a smooth palate of raspberry, peach and lime. A steal at the price. Scallop ceviche with a hint of jalapeno works just fine! ($12.95) BD
(90) Francis Coppola Rosé of Pinot Noir 2019 (CA)
This crisp rosé packs a lot of surprises. A balanced medley of berry fruit, apple and apricot give a depth of flavor to this satisfying rosé. ($13)
(90) CVNE Vina Real 2019 Rosado (Spain)
This Rioja rosé is a blend of 75% viura, 15% tempranillo and 10% garnacha. It is a bright-pink-to-salmon color in the glass with plenty of body for a Rosado-style wine. On the nose, slightly musky notes of flint and mineral are present with flecks of strawberry and other red fruits. The strawberry notes are confirmed on the palate and balanced by a clean, mineral and saline finish with some length. Great for spicy Asian cuisine or a grilled salmon salad. ($12.99) BD
(90) Squadra Rosato 2018 (Spain)
An instant pleaser, this rosé is crafted from nero d’Avola and is pale pink with tinges of orange. Very fresh with white peach,and watermelon rind with a hint of green grass. Lighter bodied and low octane (about 11% ABV), this quaffer will lead you to the bottom of the bottle with pleasure. ($41.99)
(89) Kim Crawford Rose 2019 (New Zealand)
This New Zeeland offering is a pale-pink bright rosé of merlot grapes. Supple and soft mid-palate with melon fullness. An easy “porch pounder” or summer sipper on the deck, or served with lighter foods. ($13.99)
(89) Champs de Provence Rosé 2019 (France)
A traditional French rosé with a heftier body than would be expected. Berry fruit and citrus are intertwined throughout the elegant-tasting experience. A must-have for a warm up to a dinner. ($17)
(89) Gour de Chaule 2018 (France)
This dazzling-colored Gigondas rosé approaches hot pink. It is crafted from cinsault, grenache and mourvedre. Not for the faint of heart, this is a hearty rosé with pretty aromas of honey and fresh strawberries on a fuller body. Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant. ($27.99)
(88) Alyssa Rosé 2019 (France)
This lovely, elegant French aperitif wine made from cinsault, grenache and syrah has subtle layers of ripe melon and a delicate, fresh bouquet of flower petals and white peach. The perfect wine to sip outdoors on a bright warm day. ($12.99)
(87) Jean Luc Colombo “Cape Bleue” Rosé 2017 (France)
Aging gracefully, likely due to the higher percentage of syrah. Roasted strawberry, rose and earth with a hint of pepper on a polished palate. ($14.99)
Want more reviews? Our wine panels in the past year have included:
