About Rosé Wine

Rosé is wine made from red grapes that has had minimal contact with the grape skins to yield a blush, copper, salmon or pink color. Rose's can be made form any number of red grapes, from lighter-styled, such as Grenache to a more robust style of red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. While a rosé could be a blend of white and red wines, most of the finest and most famous rosés are made exclusively from red grapes; of course; the color of the wine can only come from red grapes. (note that for a Rosé sparkling wine, white wines are often part of the blend with red wines).

Rosés range from very dry to medium sweet; the most sought after are dry, as these pair better with more foods, such as red meats and poultry. Generally, a rosé is light to medium bodied with flavors of strawberry, pear and cherry; these should be consumed in their youth for their freshness. There are a handful of rosés that can age for up to five to seven years, but this is rare.

While rosé is seen as a textbook summer sipper, the richest, driest examples can be enjoyed with dinner at any time of the year; these are clearly not simple "pink" wines. While they do not represent a large section of the market, rosés are starting to become more popular with the public, as they become familiar with the qualities of these wines.

Top Picks for Rosé Wine

Sainte Marguerite En Provence 2022 Fantastique Rosé Côtes De Provence
96 points
$39
Ripe red berries complimented with citrus zest and a voluptuous, round finish make up this absolutely stunning Rosé.
Weis Vineyards 2021 Dry Rosé Finger Lakes
96 points
$19
Best Buy
A vibrantly delicious Rose that whets the appetite and satisfies the soul; a benchmark for New York rose.
Awards: '2022 New York Wine Classic - Best Pink Wine' 2022 New York Wine Classic - Best Rosé (0 to 2% RS) 2022 Best Rosé (0 to 2% RS)
96 points $19 Best Buy
Sainte Marguerite En Provence 2022 Symphonie Rosé Côtes De Provence
95 points
$24
Balance red fruits, citrus, and savory herbs; a simply beautiful example of Provence Rosé.
Wayne Gretzky 2021 Founders Series Rosé Niagara Peninsula VQA
95 points
$13
Best Buy
Well done Niagara, this Rosé is going to give France a run for their money.
Awards: 2022 World Wine Championships - Best Value Canadian Rose
95 points $13 Best Buy
Weis Vineyards 2021 Dry Rosé Zweigelt
95 points
$23
A rich and savory Rose that will be absolutely perfect for cheese platters.
Mercer Estates 2021 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Rosé Grenache
95 points
$15
Best Buy
A beautiful, round and juicy, fruit-packed rose that is deliciously pleasing.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Rose
95 points $15 Best Buy
Domaine Michel Thomas 2021 Rosé Sancerre
95 points
$32
An energetic, lively Rose with exotic flavors that are sure to tantalize.
Awards: 2022 Best French Rose
Encostas Do Lima 2021 Rosé Vinho Verde DOC
94 points
$12
Best Buy
A nice crisp Rosé and a wonderful food pairing for any Mediterranean seafood and tomato cuisine.
94 points $12 Best Buy
Peller Estates 2021 Family Reserve Rosé Niagara Peninsula VQA
94 points
$9
Best Buy
Fruity yet savory, this is an easy enough to drink every day Rosé, but also complex enough to bring to dinner.
Awards: Exceptional Value
94 points $9 Best Buy
Zonte’s Footstep 2022 Scarlet Ladybird Rosé Fleurieu Peninsula
94 points
$20
Best Buy
A dry yet fruit-forward Rosé with well balanced acidity, this would hold up to the classic French Rosé styles.
Awards: 2022 World Wine Championships - Best Value Australian Rose Most Giftable Wine
94 points $20 Best Buy