Style of the Month: Rosé

Are you ready to Think Pink? It’s time to roll out the Rosé and slip into the warm embrace of summertime. Although Rosé has become a year-round choice—it shines brightest in the summer. Light and lively, with flavors of strawberry, watermelon and spice—Rosé is the crisp and refreshing choice for your table as well as the picnics and barbecues that make the season special. Depending on the varietal it’s made from, the color can range from deep salmon to a translucent onionskin to barely there pale pink.

 

Here are some capsule reviews of Rose wine you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Martinelli 2022 Roséof Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

 

The Martinelli 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast is rich and full flavored. On the nose, orange peel, strawberry and a hint of thyme. On the palate, brilliant acidity with juicy notes of grapefruit, citrus zest, and crabapple, in balance with grounding notes of black olive and cayenne. The long satisfying finish has an earthy cohesion. Both Ying and Yang, this delicious Rosé of Pinot Noir is not to be missed. Pair with barbecue spare ribs.

 

ABV 14.8%

$28

 

Merriam 2022 Rose of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

The Merriam 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley has a delicate pale pink color. On the nose scents of rose petals, strawberry and peaches with touch of cranberry. It’s refreshing and bright with bracing acidity and flavors of juicy watermelon, strawberry, peach and crisp apple. Lively spicy finish with notes of grapefruit and kiwi. Like the potato chip dare—you won’t be able to stop at one sip. It may be cliché to say —but it’s truly summer in a glass. Pair with goat cheese and pear salad.

 

ABV 13.9%

$30

 

Moshin Vineyards 2022Rose of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley  

 

The Moshin Vineyards 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley softly glows with a light pink-salmon color. An enticing floral nose with notes of amber, lavender and grapefruit fills the glass. It is full of rich and juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry lemonade, and bright ginger. It evolves and deepens as it warms, showing red apple and quince and a touch of basil as it glides to a long spicy finish. Pair with grilled shrimp and pineapple fried rice.

 

ABV 13.5%

$ 32

 

Pedroncelli 2022 DryCreek Valley Rose of Zinfandel

 

The Pedroncelli 2022 Rosé of Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley shines in the glass with a pink-marmalade color. On the nose an aromatic parade of rosebuds, strawberry, rhubarb and raspberry. The palate is precise and clean with notes of cinnamon, raspberry, watermelon and all spice. It has bright acidity with a core of fresh red fruits that packs a wallop of serious flavor into a fun and easy drinking Rosé. An earthy brambly note emerges on the long spicy finish. Pair with spicy tuna sushi rolls.

 

ABV 13.9%

Peterson 2021Bradford Mountain Rose, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Peterson 2021 Rosé from Dry Creek Valley is many-splendored thing comprised of 66% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, and 16% Grenache. It’s a medium pink salmon color with a spring-like scent in the glass, most notably the alluring fragrance of freesias. Complex and multilayered with a medley of strawberry, peach and citrus flavors on the palate. Each sip brings a new dimension. The spicy finish has a touch of anise and quince under the persistent creamy strawberry flavor. Keep sipping and enjoy the ride. Pair with Salmon cakes and Panzanella salad.

 

AVB 12.7%

$24

 

Sonoma-Cutrer 2022Rose of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

The Sonoma-Cutrer 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is an ode to summertime. In the glass it’s a barely there blush of pink that belies it’s bounty of flavor. On the nose a floral bouquet of grapefruit, orange blossoms, rose petals and a pleasing herbal touch of thyme. On the palate it’s bright and fresh with great acidity and flavors of watermelon and strawberry, with a minty-ginger note on the finish. It’s like a spa treatment for your taste buds. Pair with Feta, mint and watermelon salad.

 

ABV 11.9%

$20

Rosé: Style of the Month

 

Rosé season is here and the annual crop of new releases practically makes me giddy. I can almost hear Ethel Merman belting out “Curtain up! Light the lights! Honey, everything's coming up roses!” But of course I hear her sing Roses as Rosés. Okay, so maybe Rosé does not conjure up Ethel for you—but Rosé can certainly spark joy with it’s easy to drink style and playful pink color; full of summer fruit flavors and a crisp, refreshing finish. By the way, I drink Rosé year-round for a fresh burst of summertime, anytime. #ROSÉALLYEAR

 

Here are capsule reviews of Rosé you may find along the Wine Road. 

 

Acorn Alegría Vineyards 2021 Rosato Field Blend, RRV

 

Just reading the list of varieties in this Acorn field blend sets my expectations for a wine that will be both thrilling and delicious—and it is! Composed primarily of Syrah, Zinfandel, Dolcetto, and Sangiovese—the Acorn Rosato is nod to the Italian style of Rosé made from a range of indigenous Italian grapes. Initial aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and pink peppercorn are followed by notes of watermelon and fleshy ripe cherry. Balanced and complex, it’s full of juicy red fruit flavors, with a creamy raspberry finish. Pair with grilled chicken and warm goat cheese salad.

 

ABV 13%

$35

  

Baldassari 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

The Baldassari 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir is an intentional Rosé made with grapes harvested at a lower sugar rate in order to make a more delicate and lower alcohol wine. The color is the palest of pale, almost translucent. It’s a lovely balance of fruit and acid with notes of nectarine, strawberry, thyme and rose hips on the nose. On the palate, crisp favors of pink grapefruit, lime zest, and coriander predominate, with a distinct creamy peach note. The long dry finish is clean and bright with a touch of saline and rosewater. Pair with grilled shrimp and pineapple fried rice. 

 

ABV 12.9%

$28

 

Balletto 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

Fermented in stainless steel, the Balletto Rosé of Pinot Noir is exceedingly crisp and bright. Pale pink in color, it opens with a delightful bouquet of crushed rose petals, carnation and strawberry-lime. Great acidity and balance with a marvelous texture and zingy flavors of watermelon, white peach, Rainier cherry and nectarine. Dry and precise with a steely finish and a lingering note of pink peppercorn and orange zest. Pair with spicy sushi tuna rolls. 

 

ABA 13.3%

$22

 

Jeff Cohn Cellars 2017 Iris Brut Rosé Sparkling, Sonoma County

 

The Jeff Cohn Cellars Brut Rosé is made Méthode Traditionnelle with 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre. In the glass the color sparkles like a pink tutu made of tulle and taffeta with a rush of bubbles that race to the top. The creamy body floats across the palate with delicate flavors of cherry, raspberry cream and wild strawberry. Refreshing and celebratory—pair with truffle popcorn or blinis with crème fraiche and smoked salmon.

 

ABV 12.79%

$60

 

Martinelli 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

 

The Martinelli Rosé of Pinot Noir is a pretty pale rose color with a slight blue undertone. On the nose, wonderful aromas of rhubarb, strawberry, candied violet, cotton candy and rosewater. Juicy flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and a touch of orange peel are crisp and refreshing. The long clean finish is dry with notes of crushed rocks and a spicy pink peppercorn note at the end. Pair with Salmon cakes and Panzanella salad.

 

ABV 14.9%

$28

 

Martorana Family Winery 2021 Rosé of Zinfandel, DCV

 

The Martorana Rosé of Zinfandel has a classic pale pink color with a slight tinge of onionskin orange. A profusion of aromas fill the glass including candied ginger, orange peel, dried strawberry and crushed rose petals. Well-balanced and juicy it has flavors of gooseberry, watermelon, cherry, and a hint of cantaloupe. The steely finish presents notes of creamy peach and nectarine. Pair with baked goat cheese salad and prosciutto wrapped figs.

 

ABV 13%

$28

 

Pedroncelli 2021 Rosé of Zinfandel, DCV

 

The Pedroncelli Rosé of Zinfandel has a captivating medium pink hue reminiscent of watermelon juice. On the nose a bouquet of rose petals, honeydew, and strawberry with a base note of peach and vanilla. Great balance of fruit and acidity deliver flavors of watermelon, thyme and raspberry. The bright crisp finish has a mineral quality like wet slate and a lingering note of spicy coriander. Pair with barbecued spare ribs.

 

ABV 13.9%

$22

 

Carole Shelton, Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé, Mendocino County

 

Oh my, one sip and it makes you wonder, what came first—The Troggs song Wild Thing, or Carole Shelton’s Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé? In any event this luscious Rosé made with Carignane and Zinfandel grapes, has a brilliant ruby pink color and is bursting with aromas of brambles, cherry, wild strawberry, bright raspberry and hibiscus. Zesty with great acidity and body, it pulses with fresh flavors of watermelon, red grapefruit, and orange creamsicle. The finish is dry crisp with a refreshing minerality. Wild Thing, I think I love you! Pair with your favorite old vinyl records and Chinese Chicken Salad.

 

ABV 13.5%

$18