Spring into Rosé: The Perfect Wine for Warmer Weather

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to trade in your full-bodied reds and crisp whites for a glass of refreshing rosé. This versatile wine is not only perfect for spring but also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods all year round.

 

Rosé originates from France, specifically Provence - the world’s leading rosé region. It has been produced there since 600 BC when Greeks brought vines to southern France. Unlike its red and white counterparts, rosés are made using an array of grape varietals including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault among others.

 

The process used to make rosé differs significantly from that used to produce red wines. While both types involve fermenting grape juice with skins on (which gives wine its color), in making rosé the skins are removed after just a few hours or up to two-three days as opposed to weeks or months in case of red wines – hence their pink hue!

 

Now let's talk about food pairings! With its bright acidity and often subtle fruit flavors like strawberry or melon, rosè makes an excellent companion for salads, seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or salmon tartare; even heartier fare like barbecue chicken can be enhanced by this adaptable vino.

 

Let us now delve into reviews of three exceptional bottles you should consider trying this season:

 

1) Domaine LaFage - Rose Miraflors 2022 - $18.99

Domaine Lafage hails from Roussillon area in Southern France where Jean-Marc Lafage serves as winemaker at his family estate established over six centuries ago! Their Rose Miraflors uses predominantly Mourvèdre grapes along with some Grenache Gris resulting in a vibrant yet elegant wine offering notes of ripe strawberries balanced by zesty citrus undertones.

Pair it with light pasta dishes or fresh goat cheese salad. Critics rave about its delicate balance and refreshing finish, earning it scores of 90+ consistently.

 

2) Domaine Ott - By Ott Rose Cotes de Provence 2022 - $26.99

Domaine Ott is a historic winery founded in 1896 by Marcel Ott, an agricultural engineer from Alsace who dreamed of establishing a great wine estate near the Mediterranean. Today, cousins Christian and Jean-François run the property producing some of the most iconic rosés.

Their By Ott Rosé blends Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes to create a sophisticated palate with hints of peach, apricot and subtle floral notes.

Pair this elegant rosé with grilled fish or even spicy Asian cuisine for an interesting contrast. This vintage has been praised for its complexity receiving high scores across various critics' reviews.

 

3) Domaine Tempier - Bandol Rose 2022 - $53.99

The family-run Domaine Tempier has been operating since 1834 in Bandol region known for its unique terroir that gives wines their distinctive character. Led by winemaker Daniel Ravier, they produce one of the world's best roses using Mourvèdre as primary grape along with Grenache & Cinsault.

This full-bodied rose exhibits flavors like cherry blossom, raspberry coupled with earthy undertones making it ideal pairing choice for dishes like roasted lamb or duck confit. It enjoys stellar reviews scoring well into mid-90s on several occasions.

 

Don't let spring pass you by without enjoying at least one glass (or bottle!) of these fabulous French rosés!