Because sometimes the best surprises come from regions you least expect.
We’re in the middle of rosé season, so it’s time to round up some favorites! From Sancerre to Corsica and even to the Swiss alps, check out a few fabulous rosés I’m loving right now below.
J. de Villebois, Sancerre Rosé ($28, Amsterwine)
We all know and love a classic white Sancerre, but the value in the region is found in its lovely Pinot Noir reds and rosés. This is a fresh, acid-driven rosé with notes of raspberry, strawberry, and of course the characteristic minerality (think wet stone and salinity) that all Sancerre’s wines are known for. Pick up a bottle or two. for your next summer picnic and you won’t regret it.
Thomas Santamaria, Patrimonio AOC (Corsica), Le Dilemme d’Achille ($32, The Wine Store – Marlboro)
I’m not the first to say it but I also won’t be the last: Corsican rosé is having a moment. France’s “new wine revolution” has a strong movement in Corsica and so many producers there are truly top-notch. This wine drinks more like a lighter red thanks to a longer maceration time, but if you’re like me and not always sold on the lighter rosés, this is certainly one to check out. This is an organic rosé that’s fruit-forward, with notes of bright cherry and even cranberry. I need to try more from this producer!
Château Thivin, Beaujolais-Villages Rosé ($25, Kermit Lynch)
Historically there hasn’t been much by way of rosé from Beaujolais, but with the region’s focus on evolution, it’s not surprising that more and more is being produced. The gold standard for rosé here comes from Château Thivin, the oldest wine growing estate in Brouilly. It’s a wonderfully balanced rosé with notes of strawberry and violet. Keep this one around for your summer BBQ – I can see this one pairing wonderfully with fresh seafood, summer salads, and even poultry.
Domaine de la Bégude, Bandol Rosé ($35, Timeless Wines)
This domaine will always be at the top of my rosé list after my fiancé and I had the pleasure of visiting it a few summers ago (I wrote about our magical experience in a blog post – check it out). This is probably one of my favorite rosés with a magnificent dark-hue. It’s very food-forward and is great for a wide variety of food pairings and occasions. Organic and biodynamic, this is a family-run domaine that’s been in operation as a winemaking facility since the middle ages. Not just a must-visit in Provence, but also a must-drink while at home.
Domaine des Rothis, Rosé de Gamay, AOC Genève
Breaking with tradition here to feature a lovely domaine my fiancé and I visited when we went to Switzerland last summer. I haven’t been able to find a bottle of this stateside, but hopefully that changes soon! This one is a lively and fresh rosé with soft notes of minerality and grapefruit. Another fantastic, easy-drinking wine that won’t leave you wanting – ridiculously drinkable.
Looking for more wine recommendations? Check out 7 Beaujolais Crus I’m Loving Right Now or 8 Great French Grenache-Based Wines. Santé !
