Run for the Rosés

Rosé continues to gain momentum in the mainstream wine-drinking community, especially during the warmer months. It’s not surprising really; it’s the perfect juice for red drinkers on hot days – smooth and refreshing, but with hints of tannin and red fruit. Why didn’t we think of this sooner?

Anyway, here are a few we’ve been sipping recently:

Sola Fred Rosat Monstant 2014 ($10.99)
Watermelon and strawberry, a bit of bubble gum on the nose. Good structure. Tasty and refreshing, a good buy for the price. (Note: for some reason this wine is not showing up on the FWaGS site, but is appearing in the old PLCB system, so that’s what we linked to.)

[sc:lcblink name=”Charles & Charles Rosé 2014″ code=”42678″ price=”$11.99″ ]
This has become our go to every year, and for good reason, It’s danger juice of the highest order, gone before you know it, simple but oh-so-tasty. Just be careful out there.

[sc:lcblink name=”Crios Rosé of Malbec 2014″ code=”3007″ price=”$12.99″]
Typical of a new world blush, darker in color and slightly more aggressive than many of its French cousins. A bit sharp around the edges and slightly spicy, it’s a justifiable everyday pick for the warm days ahead.

[sc:lcblink name=”Sheldrake Point Dry Rosé Finger Lakes 2014″ code=”72543″ price=”$12.99″ ]
Expressive nose, if a bit reductive. Big, bold fruit on the palate, berries and watermelon. Somewhat short on the finish, but solid QPR.

[sc:lcblink name=”Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2014″ code=”38902″ price=”$14.29″ ]
This is chugging Rose, pure watermelon juice of simply delicious variety.

[sc:lcblink name=”Chateau St Pierre Rosé 2014″ code=”47605″ price=”$15.99″ ]
An elegant wine that’s pleasant to drink and typical of the Provencal style. Memorable bottle too. Patio worthy.

Chateau Viranel Trilogie Rosé 2014 ($15.99)
A product of the Languedoc, this salmon-hued beauty is the offshoot of three (trilogy, get it?) blended varieties: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault. And it shows. This is bold rosé, bursting with strawberry, peach and floral notes, holding its own against a range of foods thanks to its full mouth feel and girth. A little more expensive than the average blush, but worth every centime, you’ll also find a pinch of spice on the insistent finish. With medium-plus acidity for balance, this is a ripe dandy of a wine, ideal for warm evening sipping or alongside buxom dishes like fried chicken and barbecue. (Review by Jeff, clearly.)

Donelan Rosé 2014
The perfumed nose of Grenache (29%) intermingles with the elegance of cool-climate Syrah (55%) and Pinot Noir (16%) in this lovely, smooth and complex wine. Watermelon and tropical fruit give way to serious acidity, making this a great companion for lighter summertime fare. (Available via the winery)