6 Rosé Wines to Discover this International Rosé Wine Day!
It’s the day to celebrate summer, good food, and all things pink – it’s International Rosé Wine Day! Although, wine lovers would prefer to celebrate this refreshing wine style more than just one day a year. But why not give that gorgeous glass of pink a little *extra* attention today?
Therefore here are 6 distinctive rosé wines to discover this International Rosé Wine Day. Moreover, we’ve also tasted (and loved!) these wines at Drink With D wine-tasting experiences.
Drink pink!
They are delicious, easily available in major Indian cities, and pair perfectly with practically any occasion and cuisine! Besides, they’ve also been quite the crowd pleasing wines at my tasting evenings, making them top picks for you to discover on this rosé wine day!
1 Jose Maria da Fonseca ‘Lancers’ Rosé, Setubal, Portugal
INR 1800
Imported by: Gusto Imports
Lancers was launched in the 1940s when an American businessman in his quest for a rosé wine that would suit the American palate, landed in the cellars of Jose Maria da Fonseca. Here he tasted this semi-sweet, very refreshing and fruity, and lightly sparkling wine. Soon, the first shipment of Lancers landed in the US and then it shot to fame in no time across the world! The unique shape and packaging resemble the original rust-coloured ceramic bottles. Today they are packaged in glass bottles. The wine is made with a bunch of traditional Portuguese grapes like Aragonez, Castelao and Trincadeira. This style pairs well with spicy Mexican or Indian food, and would be delicious with some funky cheese on the side!
Tip: For wines with residual sugar, remember to chill them well to enhance the refreshing acidity and keep the sweetness in check. Helps avoid the wine taste cloyingly sweet!
2 Farnese Fantini, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Montepulciano, DOC Abruzzo, Italy
INR 1900
Imported by: Monika Alcobev
A wine that even has pink in its name! Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a unique regional rosé wine style made from Montepulciano, the primary red grape varietal in Abruzzo. Here’s the fun part – the word Cerasuolo literally translates to ‘pale cherry red’! It refers to the beautiful deep pink hue in the glass. Expect a burst of lush red fruit notes like strawberries and cherries, a refreshing sip, with smooth tannins on the finish. Full marks for flavour and freshness!
Tip: Here’s possibly the best advice you’ll find about pairing wines – ‘What grows together, goes together!’ Pair this wine with a slice of Margherita Pizza for an epic flavour combination.
3 Cantine Cavicchioli 1928, Spumante, Lambrusco, Dolce Rosé, Italy
INR 2500
Imported by: Ace Beveragez
A sparkling wine from Italy – and it’s not Prosecco! This is a fruity, slightly sweet, rosé sparkling wine from Emilia Romagna in Italy. The Cavicchioli family have been making wines in the region for centuries. Initially made to be consumed locally, it was in 1928 that they bottled the first wine under their family name. Since then, the brand came to be known as Cavicchioli 1928. Made with Lambrusco, a native red grape variety from the region. It makes light, floral, aromatic sparkling wines with a beautiful pink hue to it. Savour notes of fresh red berries, watermelon and orange zest, with a freshness that brings everything together beautifully.
Tip: Emilia Romagna is also home to many specialities – Balsamic Vinegar, Parmesan Cheese, Prosciutto ham and so on. A cheese and charcuterie board with this wine sounds just about right!
4 Mateus, Sparkling Brut Rosé, Porto, Portugal
INR 2700
Imported by: Aspri Spirits
When we look beyond Port, we see that Portugal makes some refreshing whites, crisp rosés, and deep, concentrated red wines as well. For example, Mateus is undeniably one of the leading rosé wine producers in Portugal. This brut sparkling rosé is made from a blend of two red grapes – Baga, which is an indigenous Portuguese grape, and Shiraz. Delicate aromas, a juicy sip with ripe red fruit notes, and its crisp and lively acidity make it perfect for summer!
5 Casa Bottega, Prosecco Rosé, Glera – Pinot Noir, Italy
INR 2900
Imported by: Anggel’s Share
Proseccos are exclusively white, but just about a couple of years ago, they were permitted to make a rosé style as well, and the wine gets this beautiful blush color from the slight addition of Pinot Noir with the traditional Glera. This elevates the fun, fruity side to Prosecco, with fragrant notes of bright red fruits to it. Meant to be enjoyed young, fresh, and chilled, and right now it almost transports me to summer on a beachside, with a sun-hat, and a glass of this rosé!
6 Ultimate Provence Rosé, Grenache, Côtes du Provence, France
INR 5500
Imported by: Rad Elan
A guide for rosé wines would be incomplete without one from its mecca – Provence in the South of France! It is this tiny gorgeous region that sits along the Mediterranean coast of France, where wines have been made for centuries. Moreover, as a region, it is also famous for growing lavender, rosemary, thyme and juniper berries, so don’t be surprised if you get these aromas in the wines too!
The wine is a classic Provence style. In essence, a light, crisp rosé with a distinct pale pink colour and lively red fruit notes. Not complicated, but at the same time just so elegant and easy to drink. The ‘UP rosé’ is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and a couple of other regional varieties. The bottle itself is quite distinct and stylish, with quite the sleek, modern look to it. Bookmark this wine for the next time you want to splurge on something extra special!
