A Basketful Of Blooming Rosés!

Every spring, the shower of newly available rosé wines seems to intensify, coming from all parts of world the and made from dozens of varieties of grapes. Here is a cross section, including still and sparkling pinks, most of them blends of varieties but with a few single-grape wines.  So dig out the picnic baskets and grab the corkscrews – although some of these are easy-twist screwcaps.

ARGENTINA

Susana Balbo "Crios" Mendoza Rosé of Malbec 2015 ($13)

With a somewhat pungent nose, it is spicy, gamey with some red apple flavors.

Luigi Bosca Argentina "A Rosé Is a Rosé Is a Rosé" 2015 ($22)

 An unusual combo of 85 percent pinot grigio and 15 percent syrah, the wine is soft-bodied with tart red fruitiness, light tannins and a piquant finish.

CALIFORNIA

Angels & Cowboys Sonoma County rosé 2015 ($16)

Very good structure with full fruitiness – tangy strawberries – and good finishing crispness.

Quivera Dry Creek rosé 2015 ($22)

A mix of Rhone varieties – mainly grenache but also some seldom-seen counoise – it is a delightfully complex blend of red raspberries and strawberries with a spoonful of crème fraiche.

CHILE

Casillero del Diablo Valle Central Rosé Riserva 2015 ($11)

 Tangy cherry/strawberry tastes that fade a bit in the finish.

ITALY

Lambertini Italian vino Spumate Rosé Extra Dry NV ($15)

A lighter and firmer bubbly with the lingering taste of preserved strawberries.

Ruffino Italian sparkling Rosé Extra Dry NV ($15)

 A little sweet, but light on the palate with expressive bubbles and enjoyable fruitiness.

Castello Monaci "Kreos" Salento Negroamari Rosé IGT 2015 ($16)

Full, fruity with preserved strawberry and candied icing flavors – substantial body, yet delicate flavors.

FRANCE

Château Tourril "Havana" Minervois Rosé 2015 ($14)

Light, pastel flavors of wood strawberries with good finishing acidity – would go well with plain strawberries.

Hecht & Bannier Côtes de Provence Rosé 2015 ($18)

Primarily from grenache and cinsault grapes, the wine is fresh and spicy with flavors of ripe strawberries and white pepper around the edges.

Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Rosé 2015 ($25)

 From pinot noir grapes, it is a complex pink that is long on the palate with tangy strawberries and hints of savory spices in the finish.

SPAIN

El Coto Rioja rose 2015 ($12)

A typical Rioja blend of grenache and tempranillo, it is a wine for tea sandwiches with creamy fruitiness but with friendly bitters in the finish.

SOUTH AFRICA

DeMorgenzon "DMZ" Western Cape Cabernet Rosé 2015 ($11)

A different type of rosé that won't appeal to all because of its green herbaceous, especially in the aromas, but certainly worth the experience.