With Memorial Day behind us, we are looking forward to summer. What is the best summer wine? You are not wrong if you said Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or any other wine. But you might want to try a Rose’ and I think if you are a red wine drinker, Rose may be the answer.

Denise and I have really grown to love Rose’ over the past few years. It gives you freshness and crispness, but still has some tannins and complexity that white summer sippers don’t have.

We found a website that described different styles of Rose’. https://www.virginwines.co.uk/

1. Provence rose’. Pale pink color. Flavors of minerality, floral, and summer berries and citrus. Pairs with white meats, seafood, and salads.
2. White Zinfandel. These wines range from off-dry to sweet. Flavors of red berries, melon, and baking spice. Pairs with heavy cheeses and fish, as well as BBQ.
3. Garnacha Rosado. Deep fruit flavor because of the warm Spanish climate. Tastes of strawberries, raspberries, apple, and grapefruit. Sometimes get a hint of licorice. Pairs with tapas and paella.
4. Cinsault Rose’. Strawberries, raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry. Violet and spice. Pairs with fish and sushi.
5. Pinot Noir Rose’.  Delicate wines with flavors of strawberry and rose petals. Pairs with salads, chicken, and salmon.
6. Mourvedre Rose’.  Pairs with grilled fish, steak, grilled vegetables.
7. Rosato. Italian Rose’. Some can be dark in color. Often have juicy fruit flavors and pair well with foods normally associated with red wines such as steaks.

Tonight, we are enjoying two Rose’ wines including:

1. Stone Hill Winery Dry Rose. A blend of Chambourcin, Chardonel, and Traminette. Notes of raspberry, watermelon, and orange blossom. Fresh acidity and a medium body, this fruit forward rose’ is perfect for chilling and enjoying on its own. Pair with grilled chicken, spicy Mediterranean dishes or just a summer afternoon on the deck. 13% alcohol and 0.4% residual sugar. Purchased at the winery for $13.00. You can order from the winery at https://stonehillwinery.com/
2. 2024 Cote de Roses. This is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. The wine comes from southern France from the Languedoc AOC. Aromas of red fruits, blackcurrant, and redcurrant. Tastes of rose, citrus, and grapefruit. Normally a fuller-bodied wine. Flavors of citrus, peach, and herbs, as well as strawberry and raspberry. Purchased at Costco for $12.99.

Next week we will taste two white wines. We have a Rhone Valley white blend and a Torrontes.