Rosé, a light wine perfect for summer, is made from many different kinds of grapes, comes in every shade of pink and pale orange imaginable, and can range anywhere from sweet to bone dry. In other words, there’s something for every kind of wine drinker. Typically we think of rosé as dry, even when it’s fruity, and we should never mistake rosé for White Zinfandel, which it is not.
If you can’t believe how much you’re hearing about rosé all of a sudden, well, neither can we! We discovered the joy of pink wine while tasting my way through wine country in California in 2014. Back then it was something small-production wineries were tinkering with, not something they were committed to — they weren’t sure American consumers would make the leap from cloyingly sweet White Zinfandel to drier rosé.
Fast forward to today and we're all witnessing an utter explosion of rosé produced in the U.S. and imported, mostly from France. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve assembled this handy guide to everything (wine) that's pink. We've updated this page for 2020, but many retailers are not yet carrying the releases so stay tuned as we continue to update the guide with the latest releases of my favorite rosés.
Whether you're looking for a rosé subscription or to pick up a few bottles at your local store, we can help point you in the right direction.
FYI: I find great wine deals so you don’t have to. To keep me on the hunt, I earn a commission when you buy wine based on my recommendations.
What is rosé, anyway?
There are a few primary ways rosé is produced, the first two begin with red grapes being allowed to rest on their skins when they are being pressed. Quick note: red grapes almost always have white flesh, so red wine made from those grapes gets its color from contact with the skin.
Method 1 (Maceration): Here the purpose of the pressing is to make rosé. The grapes rest on their skins for just a short time, then the skins are removed, and the wine is produced with a now light-pink juice (it hasn't fermented yet, so it's still just grape juice). Different rest periods produce different depth of colors.
Method 2 (Saignée): Here the rosé is a second wine made while producing a red wine. The lighter colored juice from the first press is "bled off," collected, and turned into rosé while the rest of the batch continues on to become a now more-intense red wine.
Method 3 (Blending): The third way to make rosé is to blend small amounts of red wine and a signficant portion of white wine (we know you're tempted, but we don't recommend trying this at home unless you have a great bottle of Vermentino and an eyedropper for titrating Cinsault and Grenache into your glass).
As with most things wine, we recommend you check out Wine Folly’s take on Rosé if you want a deeper dive.
How to Drink & Store Rosé
When to Drink: Nearly all rosé is meant to be drunk within 2 years of when it is released. For 2020 that means you should be drinking rosé labeled 2018 and later. While rosé can be consumed any time of year, there seems to be a preference to enjoy it when it’s hot outside. So, my suggestion, if you make it to Labor Day and haven’t depleted your stash, set aside your two favorites (for those random hot days in early Fall) and bring the rest to your Labor Day BBQ.
Storage: You can keep rosé in your regular refrigerator, or any other cool and dark location. Like most light-colored wines, it is recommended you drink rosé when its temperature reaches 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Your fridge is typically under 40 degrees, so let the rosé sit out in the bottle for 10-15 minutes to come up to ideal temperature. A fridge-cold wine loses its nuance and complexity because some of the elements which deliver flavor don’t activate until they’re warmer.
Wine Glasses for Rosé: Many people serve rosé in a standard white wine glass. This is totally fine. If you happen to be drinking a Rosé of Pinot Noir and you happen to have tulip glasses, we recommend using those. It’s also fun to drink rosé out of champagne flutes.
If you must go stemless, we suggest something like these glasses which separate your hot hands from your cool wine. We strongly recommend avoiding the following materials: stainless steel, plastic, rubber, and acrylic as they will change the way your wine tastes, and not in a good way.
Rosé tastes better when cold, so invest in glasses that help keep it that way longer.
Today most of the world’s supply of rosé comes from southern France, including Provence (Provençal is the adjective we use to describe things from Provence) and Languedoc-Roussillon; rosé has become popular with winemakers around the world and is made in many different styles these days.
Rosé from Italy is called Rosato and it is made from all kinds of Italian grape varieties. Most commonly Rosato is made with grapes like Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and Barbera, creating fuller wines that might appeal to reluctant-to-try-the-pink-stuff red wine drinkers.
If you live in California or anywhere on the west coast, you also have access to a terrific selection of "domestic" rosé wine. Rosé hailing from California, Oregon, and Washington is now widely available and all of it is a delightful alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. New York is getting in on the rosé game, too, with Long Island and the Finger Lakes regions producing delightful and fresh rosés for the season.
Here is a selection of different rosés, each with a description of what to expect and where to buy some of my favorites.
Rosés of France (mostly Provence and nearby)
The first rosé I had in Provence was from Domaine de Valdition and oh, was it divine. Like Champagne, it could be paired with almost anything, but it complemented my fresh French cheeses and salads perfectly. That example was made from 60% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, and 15% Vermentino (a blend of red and white grapes), but other commonly used grapes for rosé from Provence include: Mourvèdre, Carignan, and sometimes Syrah, Counoise, and Muscardin.
Due to the popularity of rosé, we're starting to see imported French rosé from less well-known regions, too. Don't let that stop you from trying them! There's much to love about rosé and trying different styles is always a fun way to learn more.
Fun fact: Provençal rosé is often sold in unusually-shaped bottles. This is a tradition going back to the 1930s when wineries first started bottling their own wines and wanted to compete with each other on presentation. Today you’ll find a plethora of bottle shapes designed to stand out on the shelf at the store and still fit in your modern refrigerator or wine cellar. We think it’s charming. More detail at ElizabethGabay.com.
Explore Rosé from Provence
Miraval Rosé
Region: Côtes de Provence, France Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Rolle (Vermentino) Suggested Retail: $20-30
90 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. “Bottled just a few weeks before my visit, Miraval’s 2018 Cotes de Provence Rose was in fine form. A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 10% Syrah and 10% Rolle, it boasts floral and melon aromas, while on the palate, it’s medium-bodied, plump and fleshy, with a zesty, tangerine-tinged finish.”
Miraval 2019 reveals a seductive and pure petal pink color. Full of freshness, it offers elegant aromas of fresh and delicious fruits like redcurrant, supported by slightly lemony, mineral and saline notes. Its long and intense finish is the signature of a rosé with an incomparable elegance. — Information provided by Chateau Miraval
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Region: Côtes de Provence, France Grape Varieties: Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino), and Cinsault Suggested Retail: $20-25
90 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com "The 2019 Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence is an alluring and beguiling rosé. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows attractive and authentic aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries and savory spices with salmon sashimi handrolls, unagi, or just by itself as an aperitif."
Very pure, round and flavorful supported by beautiful acidity adding body and volume. There is a fine and elegant aromatic framework enhancing length. Beautiful, sharp structure. — Information provided by Chateau D'esclans.
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Region: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault Suggested Retail: $18-24
A fragrant and well-balanced wine, AIX's hypnotizing salmon pink color reveals a fruity freshness. The nose is delightfully fragrant with delicate balance and crisp acidity. Enjoy the notes of soft, ripe summer fruits particularly watermelon and strawberries. — Information provided by Wine.com
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Region: Côtes de Provence, France Grape Varieties: Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah Suggested Retail: $20-25
A splendid, pleasurable wine : The Grenache and Cinsault blend form an aromatic harmony offering notes of peach and candied orange. The flavor is crisp and round on the palate. — Information provided by Chateau Minuty
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Region: IGP Mediterranée France Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache and Merlot Suggested Retail: $13-20
90 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com The 2019 Triennes Rosé Lot 8 is bright, fresh, and beautiful. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with is lovely aromas and flavors of wild strawberries and underlying mineral notes. Enjoy its crisp finish with pan-fried chicken thighs in a tart red berry, wine reduction sauce.
Pale color, red fruit marshmallow aromas, freshness, elegance and balance. — Information provided by Domaine de Triennes
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Rosés from the U.S. — California, Oregon, Washington, and New York
Not to be left out from all the fun, many Rhone-producing wineries in the U.S. have started making their own rosés. Boutique wineries from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara are especially prolific, because hot summer Southern California afternoons go perfectly with fruity, dry rosé made of Pinot Noir (not a Rhone grape, but makes a great rosé), Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and all kinds of blends. We’ve seen rosés of Merlot, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel, too. (Boutique winemakers are creative!)
Not burdened with a century of traditional winemaking rules, U.S. winemakers are free to test the boundaries. You’ll notice a great variety in depth of color, flavor profiles, and preferred grapes as compared to Provence. You’ll also notice a lack of critical ratings on the U.S. rosés — we can only presume this is because most of them are produced in small batches and the caché of U.S. rosé hasn’t caught on yet.
While a great number of excellent west coast wineries have jumped on the rosé bandwagon, some questionable large-scale producers have also jumped in. We’d like to bring your attention to White Girl Rosé, best described as a strawberry/watermelon Jolly Rancher. You can read about sommelier opinions of it at VinePair.
For our Elouan Rosé, we bring together fruit from three distinct terrains along Oregon’s premiere Western vineyards. The diversity of these cool climate areas combined with an elongated growing season creates wine with intensity of fruit flavor, structure, and a fresh vibrant acidity. This is a bespoke rosé where grapes were grown and harvested with the specific intention of making rosé; and not a saignée rosé, which can be a by-product of making red wine. This wine should be enjoyed very well chilled. It is finished with a screwcap to preserve the crisp, clean aromas and tastes, and is a great choice for outdoor occasions: picnics, lunch on the patio, or enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. — Information provided by Elouan
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Belle Glos Oeil de Perdrix Pinot Noir Blanc
Region: Sonoma County, California Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir Suggested Retail: $20-25
This is a bespoke rosé in that the Pinot Noir grapes were grown specifically with the intention of making a rosé wine. Pale pink with a copper hue, this wine has a classic “eye of the partridge” color. Citrus-driven aromas carry through to the palate. On entry, bright acidity and flavors of pink grapefruit and lemon zest enliven the orange creamsicle notes, while hints of dried apricot and sweet spice add complexity. The brightness verges on minerality, but there is so much weight that the richness balances out the firm acidity and carries the flavors of dried fruit through the long-lasting finish. — Information provided by Belle Glos
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
91 points, Wine Enthusiast A pleasantly pale shade of pink, this bottling begins with subtle aromas of bubblegum and lemon spray. There is great tension to the palate, where bright lemon peels play against the softer strawberry element.
89 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir comes from the Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada vineyards and was fermented in stainless steel and neural barrels for three months. It has a fresh nose of raspberry leaves, tarragon, watermelon rind and baker's yeast with a core of white peach, apricot and lemon peel. It's light to medium-bodied and citrusy in the mouth with fresh herbs hints, juicy acidity and a refreshing finish. 1,616 cases produced.
The Sanford Rosé is light pink in color with enticing aromas of cranberry, blood orange and rose petal. A blend of fruit from two of Sanford Winery's estate vineyards, La Rinconada and Sanford & Benedict, it's bright and crisp, and is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of foods. — Information provided by Terlato Wines
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Wölffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Rosé
Region: Long Island, New York Grape Varieties: Mostly Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Suggested Retail: $26
Bright shiny light copper in color. The glass is filled with ripe pear, fresh papaya and rose petal aromas. The mouth-feel is rich and elegant with great structure and wonderful layers. This Rosé has lovely balance between the fresh fruit, fine tannins, good minerality and graceful acidity. The wine is very savory and has a long finish with creamy yeast and nice classic chalk notes. It is the perfect summer wine. — Information provided by Wölffer Estate
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
2022 Wolffer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rose
$24.95 Regular (750mL) Buy it at Wine on Sale
The 2019 Patelin de Tablas Rosé is a vibrant light peach color. On the nose are spicy aromatics of nectarine, mandarin pith, sea spray, and crushed rock. The mouth is bright with flavors of yellow raspberry and blood orange, with mouthwatering acidity giving focus to a long finish with flavors of pink grapefruit, briny mineral, and a citrus blossom florality. Drink now and over the next year. — Information provided by Tablas Creek Vineyard
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Lioco Indica Rosé
Region: Mendocino County, California Grape Varieties: Carignan Suggested Retail: $18-20
From a mid-century planting of dry-farmed, head-trained Carignan. A severe diurnal shift supports gradual and often late ripening. The soil is red clay strewn with fist sized rocks. The combination of vine age, extended growing season, and tougher soil conspire to produce a rosé with great freshness and complexity. Aromas of cilantro, fresh-picked strawberry, rhubarb, flavors of watermelon juice, seashell, white grapefruit— Information provided by Lioco
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Apricot, orange zest, and river rock aromas are followed with flavors of peach skin, nectarine, and salty sea air. — Information provided by Liquid Farm
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington Grape Varieties: Sangiovese Suggested Retail: $10-15
Boasts gorgeous raspberry, cherry and melon rind flavors with just a hint of tangerine and orange cream sickle on the finish. Crisp, juicy and dry. Quite food-friendly as well as a great stand-alone wine. Stock up on this flavorful Rose for all your summer get-togethers. — Information provided by Barnard Griffin
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
The other day when my hairdresser asked, “Okay, so… wine in a can?!” And I said, “Yes! If it’s good wine!” The truth is, there are many reasons winemakers are turning to cans to present their wares, here are a few.
Cans are very portable. You can take cans of wine all kinds of places you would never bring bottles: the beach/pool, parks (because cops can’t see it’s booze from their car when it’s in a can), concerts (see note about cops), and anywhere a corkscrew may not be handy.
Cans are actually great for wine. As a general rule we want to keep light and air out of my wine until we’re ready to drink it. Aluminum doesn’t let in any light or air. Also, the cans are lined with an epoxy (like all other beverage and food cans) so the aluminum doesn’t interact with the wine.
Cans are lighter weight, so fuel costs associated with shipping are lower (hooray for the environment and the price of the wine).
And... they're a great way to start a conversation about wine!
Explore Rosé Wine in a Can
The Drop Cali Rosé
Region: Mendocino County, California Grape Varieties: Carignan Suggested Retail: $12 for 1 250mL can
Provence style, dry rosé blend with a light spritz. Our canned rosé is just 11% ABV, making it the perfect summer wine. We add a little spritz to our wines so they taste just as refreshing as the day we made it. We love our rosé in can because we can take it along on Summer adventures from the beach to the lake to a pop-up warehouse dance party. — Information provided by The Drop
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Ah So Garnacha Rosé
Region: Navarra, Spain Grape Varieties: Garnacha (Grenache) Suggested Retail: $4.99 for 1 250mL can
100% Garnacha sourced from a rosé-specific high-altitude vineyard on the López de Lacalle family’s Artazu estate in Navarra. Free run juice only. Tank-fermented & canned with a lively carbonic prickliness. — Information provided by WineLibrary
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Lila Rosé
Region: France Grape Varieties: We don't know Suggested Retail: $12.99 for 4 250mL cans
Light, crisp and aromatic with aromas of fresh watermelon, strawberries and a hint of minerality. Lia Rosé is dry and refreshing with lingering flavors of red berries and orange peel. — Information provided by Lila Wines
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Lila Bubbly Rosé NV
Region: Italy Grape Varieties: We don't know Suggested Retail: $12.99 for 4 250mL cans
Pale pink in color with a charming effervescence, this bubbly rosé is elegantly fruity with notes of strawberries, passion fruit and rose petals. Fresh and clean with pleasant acidity, this is a sparkling wine that will make any occasion a jovial one. — Information provided by Lila Wines
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
Underwood Rosé in a Can
Region: Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue, and Columbia Valleys; Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon Grape Varieties: Their tech sheet doesn't say, but we're assuming Pinot Noir Suggested Retail: $28 4 375mL can
It’s hard to keep your pinky up when you’re drinking wine from a 375 mL can. These are the most approachable and ready-to-travel anywhere wines we produce. Whether you’re sitting in a hot tub after a good day of riding or heading where other wines dare not travel, Underwood has you covered without sacrificing the craft taste Union is known for. This rose has flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and peach. — Information provided by Wine.com
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
This is the most approachable and ready-to-travel anywhere wine we produce. Whether you’re camping with friends or heading where other wines dare not travel, we have you covered. Underwood is the perfect wine to enjoy anywhere, any day of the week. Tasting notes: pink grapefruit, hood strawberry, watermelon. — Information provided by Union Wine Co.
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
West + Wilder Sparkling Rosé
Region: California Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Malvasia Suggested Retail: $200 for 36 250mL cans
Built around a core of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, our goal was to create something dry but fruity, fresh and pleasingly delicious. Delicate fruit flavors of strawberries soaked in rose water, ripe yellow plums and watermelon rind. Juicy acidity combines with a touch of plushness on the palate to bring weight and texture to these pretty bubbles. Essential beauty to help you celebrate anything wherever and whenever you choose. — Information provided by West + Wilder
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
West + Wilder Still Rosé
Region: California Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Carignan, and Zinfandel Suggested Retail: $200 for 36 250mL cans
This is a rosé to enjoy day in, day out. The style stands that test of daily refreshment and can pair with a range of foods throughout the seasons. The core of the blend is Sonoma County Pinot Noir with old vine Mendocino Carignane and Lodi Zinfandel, adding savory depth and structure. Bone dry with juicy acidity to balance beautiful fruit. Guaranteed to make you smile. — Information provided by West + Wilder
Where to buy it (updated today)
Please note: if the wines aren’t an exact match, they’re there for a reason. Check those out,too!
One quick look at wine-searcher.com and you’ll probably notice there are a bazillion places to buy wine online. Many times wine merchants don’t have the wines listed in stock, they order them when you do. Frequently they’ll list low prices on sites like wine-searcher, and then charge you a lot for shipping, eroding the discount value.
So, we’re sharing with you some of my favorite places to buy rosé online, and why you want to shop at those stores. Also, we’ve sprinkled in some cool deals on rosé to keep you well-informed. Happy shopping!
Quick notes: when buying wine online, don't forget to verify the store can send wine to your state (we have complex shipping laws regarding alcohol in the U.S.). Also, an adult 21-years or older must sign for all alcohol deliveries, so we recommend shipping to your workplace if possible. If not, try the FedEx Delivery Manager and UPS MyChoice services to manage your deliveries.
Rosé at Wine.com
At last check Wine.com stocked 434 different rosé wines from around the world and in every price range. As the leading online retailer of wine, there are perks to buying from Wine.com, namely selection. They have a Wine Stewardship program for $49 a year (kind of like Amazon Prime) which gets you free shipping on every order. Given that a case of wine costs anywhere from $20-60 to ship, even occasional orders will save you money.
“We are dedicated and experienced merchants offering exceptional wines, spirits and the best of Wine Country with a fun, authentic approach and uncompromising standards. In business since 1994, my motto is: “If it’s not great, we don’t sell it.”
“As merchants, négociants and vintners, we are afforded special access to a treasure trove of great wine and spirits. We live in the Napa Valley and taste between five and six thousand wines every year. We have longstanding relationships with some of the world’s best grape growers, wineries and winemakers in the valley not to mention spirit distilleries worldwide. We often get the early scoop on what’s really happening in the wineries, vineyards, cellars and distilleries, which means we have access to the truly “great stuff” long before most other sources even know about it. The fact is, we stay ahead of the curve and find the wine and spirits my customers want before they know they want them.”
Bounty Hunter Wine & Spirits is located in Napa, California and cannot ship outside the U.S. To verify they can ship to your location within the U.S., please "call our Wine Scouts at 800.943.9463 or email us and a Wine Scout will assist you. Bounty Hunter Wine Scouts are available from 7am-6pm (PDT). Monday-Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday."
Visit BountyHunterWine.com, choose Wine from the header and then Rosé on the left for a highly curated selection.
Rosé Wine Delivery Services
Apparently there's an epidemic of "I want my booze now!" out there because same-day wine delivery services are starting to crop up all over the place! Here are ones worth noting:
Drizly: The largest same-day delivery service with most major U.S. cities covered and even a couple in Canada. They rely on "local" wine/liquor stores who run their own delivery services (not UPS, etc.) to list their products and prices, and then fulfill orders. We're pretty impressed with what's available to us in California via Hi-Time Cellars, but you may not get as many options in your local delivery area. Save $5 on your first order with coupon DRIZLYDEAL
Saucey: 30-minute alcohol delivery to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, & Sacramento. Their rosé section includes several mentioned on this page! Get free delivery + save on your first order. $5 off your first order with promo code SAS.
Inspired by frequent questions from friends and family about different wines and wine practices, I write Useful Wine Guides so that people I don’t know might benefit from my knowledge and desire to share information, too.
