With summer kicking into high gear, there’s no better time to enjoy a glass (or three) of pink perfection. Try these recommendations from Check, Please! Bay Area’s host and wine expert, Leslie Sbrocco.
A Taste of France
Provence is the birthplace of rosé and worldwide wine lovers have embraced the rosé trend. Here are three wines that bring the spirit of France to the Bay Area:
2020 Berne ‘Romance’ Rosé, IGP Mediterannee, France $15
A juicy, fruit-forward pink with flavors of strawberries and peaches. Fresh and fruity, it’s a wine to pair with a picnic or poolside.
2020 Berne ‘Inspiration’ Rosé, Côtes-de-Provence, France $19
A succulent Provençal rosé that is both refreshing and regal. Dry and delicious with berry-scented aromas, its square bottle pays homage to the beautiful Château de Berne property in the heart of Provence.
2020 Ultimate Rosé, Côtes-de-Provence, France $22
Take a virtual visit to France while imbibing in this classy sipper. This wine’s birthplace is a stunning estate surrounded by organic grape vines including Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle. This beauty’s bottle evokes images of a fine perfume.
Born in the USA
From California to Oregon, these pinks are proudly bold and beautiful:
2020 Benovia Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California $32
One of California’s premier producers of Pinot Noir, this complex pink is at home with a picnic, a party, or a poolside lounge chair. With a kiss of French oak barrel-aging, it sports subtle richness.
2020 Bricoleur ‘Flying by the Seat of our Pants’ Rosé, Sonoma County, California $29
In French, bricoleur refers to one who starts something with no clear path, which gives this wine its whimsical name. Made with Grenache grapes, it’s fun and refreshing.
2020 Argyle Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $20
As a fan of Willamette Valley wines, I adore this rosé grown in the high elevations of the Eola-Amity Hills. A powerful pink that pairs with grilled fish or barbeque chicken and ribs. Make this your summer staple.
Southern Comfort
For value and high quality, look south to Chile when pink wines are on your radar:
2020 Los Vascos Rosé, Valle de Colchagua, Chile $15
Chile is home to many wine wonders. Usually, pink wine is not what comes to mind in this country of big reds. But this delicate rosé made from mostly Syrah is a delight to sip. From the family of Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild, it’s a fantastic wine to buy by the case (trust me … you’ll drink it all!).
2020 Apaltagua Reserva Carmenere Rosé, Maule Valley, Chile $13
Favorites of mine from Chile year in and out are the wines from Apaltagua. Their dry rosé is pretty in pink. Made with the country’s signature red grape, Carmenere, its flavors of red fruit and spice make it the perfect partner with al fresco dining.
Pink & Bubbly
Fantastic fizz can be had whether it’s a daily drink or a special occasion splurge:
Charles Heidsieck, Rosé Reserve Champagne, France $80
When elegance and style are on the menu, make sure to pop this stunning Champagne. Comprised of reserve wines (both red and white) that give the rosé its opulent, creamy quality, this is a splurge-worthy indulgence.
Chandon Brut Rosé, California $25
Cheer and joy are what comes to mind when imbibing this sparkler. It’s a fruit bowl of flavor that makes for an ideal partner to sushi with ginger, grilled tuna, and piquant curries.
Published on June 10, 2021
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