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‘Tis the season to drink pink!
In hypnotizing hues ranging from ballet pink to light ruby, salmon and coral, rosé is mouthwatering with nuanced layers of flavor that beg for summer foods.
CALIFORNIA
Benovia 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Here’s a juicy rosé flaunting alpine strawberry and Mandarin orange aromas with flavors of fresh red berries and zesty citrus. Anticipate bright acidity and a lip-smacking cranberry-tart finish.
Bouchaine Estate 2023 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir Napa Valley
This lively, bone-dry Carneros rosé grabs your palate and never lets it go with flavors of nectarine, cantaloupe, baked ham, melon and mineral. Read about Bouchaine’s pinot noirs below.
Frank Family Vineyards 2024 Leslie Rosé
A tribute to Leslie Frank, this coral-pink Carneros rosé of pinot noir perfectly embodies its namesake’s elegance and fun-loving spirit. Fragrances of guava and orange blossom unfold to a palate of ripe white peach and wild strawberry with a crisp, clean finish. A portion of the sales proceeds benefit Dress for Success.
Inman Family Wines 2022 Endless Crush Rosé
Playful on the palate, this ballet pink sipper is crisp with refreshing acidity that’s balanced with lovely orange blossom, ruby red grapefruit, and ripe strawberry flavors. Delicious with cold shrimp pasta, lobster rolls, salads, or grilled turkey.
Drop of Sunshine Sparkling Rosé
In partnership with Hello Sunshine, actor Reese Witherspoon’s sparkling rosé is a balanced and lively blend with notes of crisp red fruit, cherry and tart raspberry. The sunny, palate-cleansing pour marries well with light dishes ranging from crab cakes to chicken salad.
FRANCE
AIX Maison Saint Aix 2024 Rosé Provence
Crafted with grenache, syrah and cinsault, AIX is fresh, bright, and dry with wild red berries, white peaches, and mineral notes. A vivacious sipper that pairs beautifully with most foods!
The Pale Rosé by Sacha Lichine
Named for its transparent pink color, The Pale, born in the Var region of Provence, was created for the sophisticated rosé drinker but offered at an everyday value ($15). The dry, expressive wine exhibits fruity notes of peach and pink grapefruit and the pretty chiseled bottle sports a chic pink label.
Hecht & Bannier 2023 Organic Rosé
This Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence rosé blend of grenache, cinsault, and vermentino echoes white peaches, crisp watermelon and delicate herbal notes of tarragon, bergamot and lime flower. Refreshing on the palate lifted by a tangy note of fresh ginger.
Lorgeril 2023 O de Rosé Languedoc
Presented in a tall, elegant bottle with a glass closure, here’s a mélange of grenache, syrah and viognier. Aromas of red current, dried rose and citrus open to a palate of red cherries, dried tangerine peel and grapefruit.
Special Reds for Dad
If the father figure in your life hasn’t tried Benovia’s juicy, cult-following reds, now is the time. Choose from 8 different meticulously crafted pinot noirs including the Martaella Estate 2021. Throw in the jammy 2021 Sonoma County Zinfandel, and decadent 2018 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon because he’s worth it. The Russian River winery located on a former quarter house ranch is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year!
For the wine loving Dad who seems to have everything, Bouchaine’s impressive single-clone pinot noirs are worth exploring. The 2022 Calera Clone Estate Pinot Noir, 2022 Swan Clone Estate Pinot Noir, and 2022 Pommard Clone Estate Pinot Noir are all stunners for the summer table.
BRION Sleeping Lady Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromatic and complex with dark spices, this full-bodied Napa Valley cabernet is classically elegant with polished tannins. Like velvet on the palate.
Doña Paula Estate 2024 Malbec Mendoza
Powerful yet approachable with dark berry flavors backed by spice, pour this rich wine with grilled pork tenderloin for a smash hit!
Etude 2021 Carneros Pinot Noir
Smooth and silky with gobs of fruit balanced with firm tannins, Etude’s pinot noir is fragrant with cassis, cranberry, and tobacco leaf. Mouthwatering acidity and a core of fresh red berries lead to notes of cedar, white pepper and toasty vanilla oak.
Gentleman Farmer 2022 Red Wine for Pride
In honor of June Pride Month, this Napa Valley winery crafted a limited-edition rainbow label. The blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot is fun and fruit forward echoing flavors of red current, blackberry red cherry and hints of sweet holiday spice and tea.
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Cover photo courtesy Benovia Winery
Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living, BestWineries and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.
