As National Rosé Day 2021 comes around, it signals the beginning of summer and the best time to enjoy Rosé. Saturday, June 12th, the second Saturday of the month. It is the perfect time to start enjoying the crisp, bright, fresh demeanor of the various styles of Rosé.
This year I am sharing an eclectically diverse selection of Rosés. All are excellent examples of Rosé to celebrate National Rosé Day 2021. From California to Washington, heading south, Argentina, crossing the ocean to Portugal, and ending in France, all these Rosés express the infatuation we have with Rosé.
Here are eight Rosés to consider enjoying this summer. Many have a unique take on the wine because of the varieties utilized.
National Rosé Day 2021 California
Switchback Ridge Rosé 2020: One of the hidden secrets of Switchback Ridge, the Rosé represents the debut of winemaker Mike Smith and the first production for the 100+-year-old winery wine. The grapes come from the Sangiacomo Family Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast. It consists of 100% of Pinot Noir and ingratiates you with aromas of peach, strawberry, and florals. The wine is bright, crisp, and refreshing and the perfect starter for any summer meal.
Switchback Ridge Rosé of Pinot NoirKindred Rosé 2019 Sonoma Coast: Interesting that my top choices in California Rosés this year come from the same vineyard and utilize the same variety, Pinot Noir. Both feature the aromas of peach. In the case of the Kindred Rosé, the wine delivers nice acidity and minerality. This Rosé is very pretty. I describe it as simplicity in a glass. On the nose, I found aromas of peach, and on the palate, peach, and strawberry.
Kindred RoséNational Rosé Day 2021 Washington
L’Ecole No 41 Grenache Rosé 2020 Alder Ridge Vineyard, Horse Haven Hill: This Rosé is created in a Provencal style; the grapes come from the southern end of the Horse Heaven AVA. The vineyard ridge overlooking the Columbia River. The wine features a beautiful copper color and accents the fresh outlook of this Rosé. On the nose, I found aromas of berries. On the palate, flavors of strawberry and raspberry prevail as the wine delivers nice acidity and minerality.
L’Ecole No 41 Grenache RoséNational Rosé Day 2021 Argentina
Domain Bousquet Gaia Rosé 2020: Gaia represents an earth goddess. It signifies all life on earth. The ground we grow our grapes and the grapes we grow are part of the concept that the earth is living. It also reflects the organic farming practices Domaine Bousquet utilizes when growing their grapes in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Taking the first sip, one notices some effervescence on this dry Rosé of Pinot Noir. I found nice acidity and minerality accenting the strawberry flavors and hints of zest on the finish.
Domaine Bousquet Gaia RoséNational Rosé Day 2021 Portugal
Herdade de São Miguel Colheita Seleccionada Rose 2020: This was my first example of Rosé from Alentejo and proved to be a marvelous example of what the area can produce. This wine combines Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Aragonez to deliver a bright Rosé with fresh fruit aroma and tropical fruit, strawberries, and melon flavors.
Herdade De Sao Miguel RoséNational Rosé Day 2021 France
Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2020: One of my favorites in this group of Rosés, the wine blends primarily Syrah with Mourvédre. This Rosé comes from very stony and Limestone soiled vineyards located in the hills about the bay of Marseille, an area adjacent to Provence. The wine utilizes the saignée method to produce a Rosé exhibiting raspberry and peaches on the nose and peaches and cherry flavors on the palate. This Rosé is pretty, very fresh and inviting
Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue RoséJean-Luc Colombo La Dame Du Rouet Rosé 2019: The grapes come from the Côte Bleue, an area just west of Marseille. The vineyard has special meaning for Jean-Luc because he has sailed the waters surrounding this area since childhood. The composition of the wine consists of Syrah, Cinsault, and Grenache. This Rosé also utilizes the saignée method. In this case, the wine is certified organic by Ecocert in the EU. With aromas of berries, this wine displays bright, fresh, minerality, and acidity.
Saget La Perriére La Petite Perriére Rosé 2020: The La Perriére line of wines come from the Sagret family who have produced wines since 1790. Vin De France is a relatively new designation in France. It combines the fruitiness of varieties grown in the south of France with the acidity of grapes produced in the northern region, the Loire Valley. This Pinot Noir Rosé includes grapes primarily from the family’s estate vineyards in Touraine. In addition, a portion of grapes is sourced from the south of France. The wine exhibits cherry and raspberry flavors with hints of spice on the finish.
Saget La Perriére La Petite Perriére RoséConclusion
Any of these Rosés would be an ideal option for National Rosé Day 2021 or, for that matter, any day during the summer.
Note: Common to the wine industry, this writer received hosted wine samples. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.