Thank goodness
for Rosé wine, right? Rosé is especially
appreciated by us Canadians, where our summer lasts only 2 months if we’re
lucky. So, when the fifty shades of pink
start showing up at wine shops, it’s game time because that means summer is knocking
on our door. What’s not to love about
Rosé? The attractive fruitiness, refreshing acidity and even the colour can
play with our senses making for happy and easy drinking.
Here are my
top ten Rosé wine recommendations (in no particular order) that should have you
all set when it comes to outside BBQ’s, picnics or any setting that allows you
to take advantage of the joy that summer brings.
TOP 10 ROSE WINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUMMER
(In no particular
order)
SAQ:
13582839 $18.95
This sparkling wine from southern Rhône is made
of Grenache and Syrah, and harvested at night to retain its acidity. The bright strawberry and raspberry fruit is
ripe and fresh, with a subtle hit of spice.
The bubbles have a nice texture, and the finish is persistent, keeping
those concentrated, red fruit flavours.
Balanced, elegant, it has a delicacy that would be perfect with salmon gravlax.
SAQ: 13625018
$19.95
With a
blend of Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera and Sangiovese grapes, this delicate
rosé has beautiful notes of cherry blossom, ripe cherries and strawberries with
a nice peach finish. Balanced acidity,
and sleek minerality. Nice wine for
under $20.
Joseph
Mellot Le Rebault Sancerre 2017
SAQ: 12228539
$26.55
Sometimes, it is worth to it to pay a little
bit more for a wine that has a little more finesse, and this Sancerre from
Joseph Mellot will not disappoint. This
wine is made with 100% Pinot Noir and has intense notes of cherries, strawberries
and rose petal. The palate is
concentrated fruit, a plump mouthfeel yet plenty of acidity allowing for
vibrancy and charm. The wine finishes with
some raspberry notes and peach with a touch of salinity. A great pairing would be a tuna Niçoise.
Casa Santos Lima
LAB Estremadura 2017
SAQ : 13567170 $10.85
Slightly sweet, this is a great aperitif wine. Intense
floral notes, strawberries and peach with a balanced acidity and a hint
spice. It is a bit funky and savoury
also, which gives this wine great character. This would awesome with a charcuterie
and cheese platter. Sweet price too!
Mirabeau Rosé Classique 2017
SAQ : 13206121 $19.00
The Mirabeau range of wines is
coming from a family whose dream it was to one day make their own wine in the
south of France. Running on 100% risk and passion, their efforts have been
rewarded because they have had huge success from their range of wines from
Provence. The rosé Classique is a prime
example. Made with Grenache (60%), Mourvedre
(35%), and a kiss of Cinsault (5%) this wine has concentrated raspberry and
strawberry fruit with floral elements from start to finish. Red current and dollops of sea salt make this wine quite
expressive. A great streak of acidity along with a persistent, fruity finish
makes it an absolute delight. This would
be great with Spaghetti Vongole! 
Château de Nages
Vielles Vignes 2017
SAQ : 12521461 $19.95
With its sweet spice, strawberries and peach this wine hits
all the right notes. It has has lovely impression of fruit interwoven with
floral bits and nice mineral undertones. The
palate is round and has weight, balanced with the bright and refreshing acidity. The finish leaves strawberry and peach
flavours that linger long after the sip is gone. This wine would serve well with open-faced prosciutto,
asparagus and parmesan sandwiches.
Bonny Doon Vineyard Vin Gris de Cigare 2017
SAQ : 10262979 $22.75
Year after year, this Vin Gris is never disappoints with its
crunchy red fruit of cherries, red currant and strawberries. It also shows cherry blossom and peach with
nuances of sweet spice and lip smacking mineraltiy. Plump, fresh, delicious. Sip lasts long after its hit on the
palate. LOVE this rosé from
California. Thank Gawd for Randal Graham.
Saint –Verny 7e
Ciel Côtes d’Auvergne 2015
SAQ :13343248 $17.40
Who does not love Gamay ? Brilliantly
executed, this wine from Côtes d’Auvergne is a crown pleasure with its pristine,
ripe fruit and fierce acidity. Gobs and
gobs of ripe cherries, strawberries and cherry blossom. The floral notes, minerality
add a bit of complexity and depth. With its excellent acidity, fruit and long
finish, this rosé is incredibly easy to
drink.
SAQ : 12219309 $17.55
Perfectly pink in colour, this brilliant rosé from Jean Luc
Colombo is bursting with concentrated peach, strawberry and cranberry fruit. Pretty
floral notes and whisps of cream this wine is feminine and soft. Having a cool and refreshing minerality, the
length is keen and very pleasant. Great
balance and structure. Effortless and happy sipping with this wine.
Gabriel Meffre
& Cie Château Grand Escalion Costière de Nîmes 2017
SAQ : 12843128 $17.95
This lovely wine has a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.
Showcasing strawberries, red
current, and raspberries, it also has inviting notes Japanese cherry blossom. A
really nice concentration of fruit with a refreshing and bright acidity. Very Province
in style, but from the Rhône! A very feminine, inviting and elegant wine. It goes down fast, so best buy an extra
bottle or two while at the wine shop. ;)
Pair with honey dijon salmon and shrimp.
