Rose is a great wine in the summer. The explosion in demand has both driven up the price and the range of Rose wines available in the USA. Here's my list of Rose's to buy and enjoy now from the 2017 vintage based on what I've tasted so far this year:
- 2017 Domaine d'Aupilhac Lou Maset Languedoc Rose-imported by Kermit Lynch is a lively and lovely blend of Mourvèdre 50 %, Cinsault 30 %, Syrah 10 %.
- 2017 Chateau Leoube Cotes de Provence Rose-a stunning upmarket Rose. This fruit forward, dry, crisp Rose is what makes days by the pool in Provence so enjoyable. They produce a few different rose wines including a stunning sparkling version too. A label to keep an eye on.
- 2017 Margerum Riviera Rose-consistently the best French style Rose's made in the USA. Made from 5 grapes but mostly Grenache, the wine is available in bottle and can. Between the regular and Reserve bottling, you don't have to go to France to find this kind of quality. Just head to Santa Barbara.
- 2017 Chateau Trinquevedel Tavel Rose-this rose has always been on my short list of ones to buy. I've already gone through my stash and will likely buy some more. A blend of 57% Grenache, 15% Clairette, 11% Cinsault, 11% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 1% Bourboulenc, the wine is crisp, dry and tasty.
- 2017 Alain Jaume Tavel Rose Le Cretace is another rose from Tavel, on the left side of the Rhone river. Medium body, great length the wine is everything you want in a rose. Made from 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre the Jaume never lets me down.
- 2017 Domaine de la Mordoree "Le Remise de Mordoree" has been my favorite of the Mordoree Rose wines year after year. While it's not the most expensive of it seems to always out perform the more expensive, and certainly finer, more elegant Reine des Bois and bolder La Dame Rousse. The Le Remise really stands up to shellfish, soupe de poisson and bouillabaisse or just to enjoy by itself.
- 2017 Chene Bleu Rose – on the higher end of Rose wines come Chene Bleu. The Grenache, Syrah and Rolle blend is topped off with Mourvedre and Cinsault, and every year is in a class by itself. It stands out in the crowd with perfect balance and an elegant style with lots of bright raspberry and strawberry flavors.
- 2017 Chateau Pradeaux Coteaux de Provence – this is the second label of Bandol superstar Chateau Pradeaux. I started drinking this after their wonderful 2015 vintage and every time I have a bottle, I always wish I had purchased more as the wine seems to get better every year. I drank this side by side with the Aupilhac side by side and found it to be as every bit as enjoyable. Made from mostly old vine Cinsault and Mourvedre, this wine is a sensational example of the vintage.
- 2017 Commanderie de Peyrassol Cotes de Provence Rose is a wine I've been enjoying for more than a decade whenever I can find it. This is an example of a very traditional production style and consistent delivery of very enjoyable Rose (as well as red wines) by a producer who knows what they do well and sticks with it. Lots of berries on the nose and a rich and creamy balanced fruit layer makes this wine a winner.
- 2017 Yves Leccia Patrimonio Rose is a pale colored pink wine from the Ile de Beaute, Corsica, and is year after year, one of my favorite Corsican wines, not only a rose. Like Aupilhac and Trinquevedel, its a Kermit Lynch Import, so it starts with a nice pedigree. The wine is fruity and yet crisp. It has perfect balance and a lively spice from the blend of Niellucciu and Grenache and may be my favorite BBQ Rose.
There are many other great Rose wines from the 2017 vintage so seek some out, and try a few. Once you do, you'll see why we all tend to say #RoseAllDay!