Rosé: Style of the Month

Overview 

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