It might appear that we just can’t get enough rosé and I suppose that’s true. With more rosé choices than ever from wine regions around the world, it is difficult not to be curious about them. Today we have one more group of rosé wines, made using a long list grape varieties, that takes us to Italy, New Zealand, France and Argentina. We received these rosés as tasting samples.
2018 Bertani Bertarose Rosé, Verona — ballet slipper pink in the glass with delicate flora aromas and flavors of mixed with red and dark berries, a grating of citrus zest and juicy acidity. 12% abv. SRP $12.99
The combination of floral and berry elements in this rosé is very attractive. This rosé is a blend of 75% Molinara and 25% Merlot. Each variety is vinified separately and then blended and aged for three months in stainless steel tanks.
Molinara is a red grape variety that is planted throughout the Veneto region. It lends acidity and, though it has a tendency to oxidize, it is often used in blended wines of Valpolicella and Bardolino. Merlot needs no introduction.
2018 Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc Rosé, Marlborough — ballet slipper pink with generous grassy aromas. The flavors begin with the same grassiness reflected in the aromas along with pink grapefruit. This is a rosé for Sauvignon Blanc lovers. 12.5% abv. SRP $14.99
Sauvignon Blanc is takes the front seat in this rosé from the moment you open the bottle and sense the aromas to the moment its flavors fade on your tongue. Sauvignon Blanc sourced from New Zealand’s Awatere and Wairau Valleys and blended with Merlot from Hawke’s Bay. All are fermented separately before blending.
Pour this wine to keep your wine friends on their toes. They should be able to easily identify the Sauvignon Blanc component in this rosé.
2018 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé, Méditerranée — ballet slipper pink in the glass with generous perfumed aromatics that include pink flowers. Generous mixed berry fruit, tropical fruit flavors, floral and citrusy flavors combine for a layered flavor profile. 12% abv. SRP $12.99
This blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre is absolutely delightful. The grapes undergo a 10-hour cold soak and the resulting juice is bled off (saignée) into stainless steel vats for fermentation. We have tasted this wine over many vintages and it is always a winner.
2018 Mas de la Dame La Gourmande Rosé, Les Baux de Provence — rosy salmon color in the glass with delicate stone fruit and citrus aromas. Flavors of stone fruit, mix berries and gravelly minerality provide layers of flavor. It finishes with grated citrus. The fruit flavors are so fresh in this wine. 12.5% abv. SRP $19.99
The blend is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault. The beautiful pink color is achieved through both direct press and saignée. Honestly, you just can hardly go wrong with a rosé of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Cinsault just seals the deal. This wine costs a few dollars more that others in this group, but it is worth the price.
2018 Salentein Portillo Rosé, Valle de Uco, Mendoza — pale salmon in the glass with generous aromas of ripe raspberries and strawberries. The flavor continue with ripe strawberries and raspberries with an interesting, dusty earthiness in the background and bright acidity. Strawberry flavors linger on the palate. 13% abv. SRP $10.99
This is a rosé for the Malbec lovers in your life. 100% Malbec is direct pressed without maceration time. The juice is settled and fermentation is initiated. This complex rosé is part of the Portillo range of wines made by Salentein in the Uco Valley of Argentina’s Mendoza region. This wine is a great value.
2018 Mandrarossa Perricone Rosé Costadune, Terre Siciliane — pale salmon in the glass with aromas and flavors of mixed ripe berries, dusty earth and gravelly minerality. The clean finish includes a grating of citrus pith. 12% abv. SRP $11.99
This rosé is made with 100% Perricone, a grape variety grown in western Sicily. It is often used in making blended red wines where it contributes acidity and tannin structure. This rosé would be a delicious choice if you want to try an unusual variety or share one with your wine friends.
Summer is only a few days away, officially, and these rosés offer outstanding summer sipping value. You will want to sip them on hot afternoons and share them with your friends and family over a meal. All are part of the Taub Family Companies — Palm Bay International and Taub Family Selections.
Cheers!
