Three Shades of Rosé

Napa, Sonoma, & Valpolicella represent

We’ve come a very long way in the United States when it comes to our appreciation of Rosé, but we still have room to grow. Thankfully, we’re largely past the days where a large swath of people assume if the wine is some hue of pink, then it must be sweet. Still though, not nearly enough wine drinkers, in my opinion, realize the wide range of rosés breadth. It’s almost as if some percentage of folks believe all “pink wine” comes out of one giant vat. Okay, it’s not that bad, but you get my point, nothing could be further from the truth. Well made and considered rosés are not only an absolute joy to drink, but they’re as worth our consideration, as wine drinkers, as any other wine. So with that in mind I wanted to take a look at three rosés that vary in many ways, including grape, hue and place of origin. All three also happen to be from wineries I have spent time at, and drink on the regular. Spoiler alert: each of them is delicious.

Bertani Bertarosé 2023 ($18)

There’s a great chance you know Bertani because of their Amarone. And well you should, they’re one of the preeminent producers. But I’ll be honest, this Rosé, composed of Corvina, Molinara, Corvinone, and Rondinella is the wine from their portfolio I drink the most often. They’ve been producing it in some fashion, since the 1930’s. The classic light salmon hue pulls me in as do the delicate and nuanced aromas and flavors. Red fruit, white pepper, and hints of vanilla are all present along with wisps of stone fruit. If you’re looking for a welcome wine for your next party, this is a great option. It’ll also do quite well with a meat and cheese board for instance.

Rodney Strong 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir ($30)

This is entirely Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast. As I’ve written before, Rodney Strong is a producer I count on for excellent value up and down their portfolio. Their Rosé of Pinot Noir, which has been part of the lineup for 5 or so years is no exception. It’s just a bit darker in color than the Bertani. It is medium bodied. It features plenty of bright aromas and flavors. Orange blossom aromas are immediately evident. Red berry fruit flavors and white peach are joined by hints of spice. It’s a thirst quenching wine whose framework hangs on racy acid. It would work well with Georgian foods. Kharcho and Ajapsandali come immediately to mind. However it’s the varied bounty at a Georgian meal, served family style, I’m thinking of in a wider sense.

Smith-Madrone 2023 Estate Grown Rosé ($30)

This Rosé is from my favorite Napa winery, full stop. It’s a somewhat recent addition to their portfolio. At less than 150 cases it’s a tiny portion of their overall, still pretty small production, of around 3,000 total cases of wine. It’s a even split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Smith-Madrone Rosé stands out in the glass, as it’s darker than the average Rosé by a number of degrees. In fact, visually it brings to mind a Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo. Enticing red fruit aromas lead the charge. Strawberry and Bing Cherry flavors are underscored by hints of red raspberry and a tinge of citrus. This is a happy, cheerful, and juicy Rosé that’s eminently delicious and quite easy to devour. In fact if Austin Powers were describing this wine, he’d be likely to say, “it’s juicy baby!” It’s the boldest of the trio in color and flavor and will stand up to more full bodied flavors. Pepper steak would be an inspired pairing, as would a Gyro.

Initially I tasted this trio of Rosés side by side without food. Later I paired them with a salad of Ayocote Blanco Beans from Rancho Gordo, that I had simmered with a Greek Seasoning blend from Penzeys. I tossed them with garden fresh tomatoes, pickled onions, Feta cheese, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette. Each Rosé worked well with it. Please let me know what pairings you try with this varied trio of wines!

While these three wines represent different shades, flavors, and regions, this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the bounty of well-made, delicious Rosé from all over the world. Explore Rosé, your flavor receptors will thank you.