Rosé Suggestions Archives

No special occasion needed to enjoy some rose

by Lorri | Jun 10, 2020 | UnCorked

Let’s be honest, every day is a rose day. Those lazy pool-side afternoons, the exceptional food pairings or those lawn chair sunsets, it’s easy to celebrate this pink-hued refreshing wonder. We already know we don’t need a special occasion to open a bottle of rose but as with all things needing to be commemorated, it deserves an official day to shine. This Saturday is National Rose Day and another reason to celebrate this blushing gem. (National Rose Day is held every year on the second Saturday in June.)

I feel I can take a small amount of credit for this “National” celebration of rose. I have been campaigning, promoting and even debating the declaration of my adoration for rose for years. I knew it would be a matter of time before the rest of the world joined in this celebration.There are many different styles of rose — ranging from bone dry, semi-sweet to lusciously sweet. A style many only consider for special occasions (and not necessary) is sparkling rose.

Rose sparkling wines are not only fun and refreshing but they can be a very serious style of wine. They are made using the same methods as most Champagne and sparkling wines but usually with different grapes giving the ending style. These wines can be made from any grape but it’s the red grapes giving the rose color in the glass. This can range in style from robust powerful shiraz rose to a more delicate expression from pinot noirs.

To make your National Rose Day celebration tasting and exploring as thorough as possible, this week’s column offers many price ranges from budget-friendly values to the top-of-the-line splurges.

THE VALUES
NV Casas del Mar Sparkling Rose, Spain (about $14)
NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Sparkling Brut Rose, Washington (about $16)
NV Korbel Brut Rose, California (about $15)
NV Gouguenheim Malbec Extra Brut Rose, Argentina (about $12)
NV Ruffino Sparkling Rose, California (about $15)
NV McBride Sisters Brut Rose, California (about $16)
NV Barefoot Bubbly Brut Rose, California (about $13)
NV Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Brut Rose, California (about $18)
NV Piper Sonoma Brut Rose, California (about $18)
NV Underwood Rose Bubbles, Oregon (about $14)

THE SPLURGES
NV Bouvet Rose Excellence Sparkling, France (about $19)
NV Domaine Carneros Cuvee De La Pompadour Brut Rose, California (about $39)
NV Scharffenberger Brut Rose, California 9about $24)
NV Amelia Brut Rose, France (about $22)
NV Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose, France (about $88)
NV Albert Bichot Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Rose, France (about $21)
NV Freixenet Italian Sparkling Rose, Italy (about $22)
NV Gloria Ferrer Brut Rose Sparkling, California (about $27)
NV J Winery Brut Rose Sparkling, California (about $41)
NV Mumm Napa Brut Rose, California (about $29)
NV Laurent Perrier Brut Rose, France (about $95)
NV Moet and Chandon Rose Imperial, France (about $70)
NV Ruinart Champagne Brut Rose, France (about $105)

A few suggestions make life rosé-ier

by Lorri | Jun 26, 2019 | UnCorked

It’s that time of year again — when I exult the praises of rosé. I have fearlessly taken on this topic for over a decade in hopes that one day the American palate would catch up with the rest of the world. It seems my campaign is working, and I have convinced many readers to step over to the pink side, into this beautiful, elegant world of rosé wines.

Americans are late comers to the pink passion party. But that’s likely because of their association of rosé with the sweet blush of white Zinfandels of the 1980s and ’90s. Today’s rosé is nothing like those white zins of the past.

I scoured my tasting notes to find the top rosé wines from around the world. It may be surprising to to learn not all are from the sacred vineyards France’s Provence region. Some of my favorites, as well as other tasters’ are from California, Oregon and Bordeaux. It is exciting to see this category expand with unique blends.

If you are not a dedicated rosé revivalist it’s my hope this week’s recommendations will help you understand why I continue to champion these wines.

The recommendations were gathered from my tasting notes, other local professionals and I am recommending them based on quality, price and, of course, availability in our market.

THE VALUES

2018 Bell Rosé, California (about $15 retail)

2018 Acrobat Pinot Rosé, Oregon (about $14 retail)

2018 Erath Oregon Rosé, Oregon (about $16 retail)

2018 Marques De Caceres Rosé Rioja, Spain (about $13 retail)

2017 Matua Rosé, New Zealand (about $12 retail)

2018 Milou Pay D’Oc Rosé, France (about $12 retail)

2018 Charles Smith Vino Rosé, Washington state (about $15 retail)

THE SPLURGES

2018 Chateau Bonnet Bordeaux Rosé, France (about $19 retail)

2018 Anne Amie Rosé of Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $20 retail)

2018 Whispering Angel Provence, France (about $26 retail)

2017 Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Monterey County Rosé, California (about $19 retail)

2018 Presqu’ile Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé, California (about $25 retail)

2018 La Crema Monterey Rosé of Pinot Noir, California (about $19 retail)

2018 Gerard Bertrand Cote des Rosés, France (about $21 retail)

2017 Chateau D’Astros Provence Rosé, France (about $20 retail)

2018 Simi Sonoma County Dry Rosé, California (about $20 retail)

2018 Raptor Ridge Rosé of Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $20 retail)