American Rosés have never been better and no longer have to compete with the traditional versions from Provence, which have inspired producers all over the world. American Rosés come from a variety of grapes and methods, and tap into varied climates and terroirs for a category that is wide, reaching and, like America, independent. Here’s to raising the pink flag this Fourth of July.
Alma Rosa Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023, Sta. Rita Hills. This red-berried wine of both and sweet, ripe fruit and fresh market berry basket has savory herbal edge that makes it a food-friendly pick for the party. Elevated by tart, red currant and baby strawberries.
Calera Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2022 Central Coast (Calif.) Calera is Spanish for “lime kiln” and this wine, from mountain-limestone vineyards, smacks of mineral and sour cherry and not-quite raspberry. Bring this to the BBQ.
Chamisal Vineyards, Malene Rosé 2023, California. Vineyards are five miles from the Pacific Ocean, this is bright, saline-inflected and maritime influenced. Tart, fresh strawberries and raspberries, a creamy mouthfeel along with bracing acid.
Clos Solène “ La Rosé” 2023, Paso Robles. A grenach0-driven (72%) blend of Rhone grapes, this looks like a white wine, despite its name and the red-grape varieties. Round and rich with an almost Chenin-like vibe. Theis s waxy, floral and quince and a touch of citrus. Not an obvious wine, but delicious.
Decoy Rosé 2023, California. A reliable performer from the Duckhorn Portfolio, this is a tropical-fruit inflected wine with bright acidity and joyful red fruit. This is a dry wine but full of zest and bursting with strawberry and Clementine and a little blood orange. Blend of 62% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 12% Vermentino, 11% Grenache and you can really taste that Vermentino brightening things up.
Hogwash Rosé 2023, California. Fresh and clean with a glycerol mouthfeel that underlines the tangy pink grapefruit, guava and ripe pineapple vibe. Comes in cans for on the go drinking.
Goldeneye Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2023, Anderson Valley. From the Duckhorn Portfolio comes this approachable but not predictable Rosé aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak. Very light sea-shell pink; tart and savory, tropical-inflected with zesty Clementine and a bright finish Fun and flexible!
Halter Ranch 2023, Adelaida District, Paso Robles. A primarily Grenache-based (91%) blend of Rhone grapes, including 5% of Picpoul Blanc for brightness, this is a medium-bodied wine with enough structure to stand up to grilled meats and, certainly, anything bacon in it. No surprise that this is also perfect with charcuterie. 100% organic grapes.
LangeTwins Rosé of Aglianico 2023 River Ranch Vineyards, Jahant AVA, Lodi (Calif.) Darker-hued style of Rosé with this Italian native grape gives a deeper fruit profile of cranberry and sour cherry, the latter taking the lead in the taste profile. A structured wine that will whatever comes off the grill. Certified sustainable.
Lewis Hines Rosé of Mourvèdre 2022, Texas Hill County. This comes from the Parr Vineyard, which hosts 16-year-old own-rooted vines. Earthy aromatics, and a deeper fruit profile that belies the very light pale pink color. Currants, cherries and raspberries, creamy mouthfeel, can drink on its own but also with roasted fish and roasted vegetable salads.
Lucas & Lleweln Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022, Santa Barbara County. A light shimmery pink hue heralds the fresh, tart red-berried nature of this wine, Mouth-watering acid, watermelon, and a guava-tropical character. Estate vineyards from the Los Alamos Ranch Block 2.
Minus Tide Carignan Rosé 2023 Feliz Creek Vineyard, Mendocino County. A cool-climate wine made from old vines, head-trained and planted in 1908, this shows its maritime influence with hints of saline, streak of acidity and concentrated fruit flavors of strawberry and sour cherry with pops of watermelon. A nice wine for those who want something a little off the beaten path but without the funkiness of a natural wine.
Summer Water 2023, Central Coast. A stronger, earthy aroma profile belies the lighter pink-grapefruit and citric fruit profile of this wine. It’s a contrast of textures in the mouth: creamy and also acid streaks.
Tablas Creek Vineyards Patelin de Tablas Rosé 2023, Paso Robles. A blend of Rhone grapes from a reliable legacy producer in that region of France, the Perrin Family of Beaucastel fame. This is a partnership with venerated California producer Robert Haas. Driven by 71% Grenache, this is lifted by the 8% Vermentino (also known as Rolle) and has deeper fruit and structure thanks to the 20% Mourvèdre. Strawberry fruits play alongside southern-clime orange/citrus with a little spice on the finish.
VARA New Mexican Rosé 2023, Mission Hill Vineyards. A structured wine made by the nephew of Laurent Gruet of the state’s sparkling fame, while also being elegant and mineral and fruit driven with strawberries touched by a little citrus and sweet melon. A surprising hit, grapes coming from the in the Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA, and including the northern Italian Refosco grape in the blend that includes 70% Cabernet Sauvignon.
