At this time of the year, I love to travel the world through a glass of Rosé. This year is no different as National Rosé Day 2022 approaches. Rosé comes in many forms, and this year my suggestions will include some Pét-nat.
National Rosé Day 2022 With Pét-nat
Pét-nat stands for Pétillant-natural, a French term that means naturally sparkling. The sparkling wine is created in méthode ancestrale. The wine is bottled before primary fermentation occurs and without adding secondary yeasts or sugars. Essentially the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, and the bubbles are much more delicate. Pét-nat has become very popular of late.
Piedra Creek Lagrein Pét-nat: By far one of my all-time favorite expressions of a Pét-nat. I found the wine slightly sweeter, yet the flavors of Raspberry and strawberry burst forth in delight. It is the perfect wine for a summer day.
Alma Sol Winery Pétillant Naturel Sparkling Wine 2021: This natural sparkling wine comes from Pinot Noir grapes grown in Sonoma County. With its softer bubbles, I found a more sour and tart wine that speaks of grapefruit and watermelon.
The Rosés From California
Saracina Rosé of Grenache 2021: The grapes for this Rosé comes from along the upper Russian River in Mendocino. On the nose, I found peach and cherry. Those aromas found their way onto the palate but were enhanced by bright acidity and some strawberry flavors. Hints of citrus burst forth on the mid-palate.
Piedra Creek Lagrein Rosé: One of the few wineries to produce Lagrein, this Rosé is a delightful rendition showcasing the variety. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed and then produced in a traditional blanc du noir method. In this case, red grapes are pressed, and the juice ferments after separation from the skins; the result is white wine, referred to as “blanc de noirs,” meaning a white wine from dark grapes. The Piedra Creek Rosé may be produced like white wine, but the color, an elegant coral draws one in to taste the wine. I found flavors of strawberry and watermelon.
Alma Sol Winery Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: The grapes for this wine comes from Alma Sol’s Cuevas Vineyard. The wine barrel ferments from free-flow juice and remains a month on the lees, followed by seven months in the barrel. While the color, a gorgeous pinky-red color burst forth into a refreshingly bright and light Rosé with fruity flavors of strawberries. This wine can be served chilled or at room temperature. The strawberry flavors become more pronounced when served at room temperature.
Rosé from Oregon
Beckham Estate Olivia’s Rosé of Pinot Noir: Named after the Beckham’s daughter Olivia, this Rosé combines several clones of Pinot Noir, including Pommard, Wadenswil, Dijon 115 & 777, ferments in amphora, and age in neutral barrels. I found some effervescence in the wine that leads you to flavors of citrus and strawberry with hints of spice on the finish.
Rosé from Washington State
L’Ecole Grenache Rosé 2021 Alder Ridge Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills: You can always count on a good wine with L’Ecole, which is no different from their Rosé. Find a Provence-style Rosé with lots of aromatic expressions. The lovely salmon color opens to a nose with cherry and florals. On the palate, I found a bigger Rosé with fruity flavors of cherry and citrus.
Rosés From France
Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2021: This Rosé uses a blend of primarily Syrah and Mourvédre from Provence, an area known for its stony limestone soils. The wine is created in a traditional saignée method and exhibits floral aromas accented with hints of peaches and strawberries. On the palate, the wine delivers savory qualities with hints of citrus.
La Petite Perriére Rosé 2021: Part of the Pinot Noir comes from the Saget Family in Touraine in the Loire Valley. The winery sources another portion of the grapes from the south of France. I found sour cherry and citrus notes making this a very Provencial wine.
Rosé from Portugal’s Alentejo
Herdade Do Esporão Monte Velho Rosé 2021: I found an interesting blend of Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, and Tinta Caiada from grapes planted in soils of granitic/schist and clay loam. I found a pleasantly surprising refreshing wine with aromas of strawberries and a spicy finish that gives you a lot at a very reasonable price.
National Rosé Day 2022
Although National Rosé Day 2022 is Saturday, June 11, 2022, this year, these Rosés are perfect for a summer brunch, Al Fresco dinner, or enjoyable any day of the week. Let’s lift our glass and Salute National Rosé Day.
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.