We just love to sell (and drink) good dry Rosé during the warm weather months, and this year we have one of the largest selections of Rosé wines in North Carolina from around the world!  Here are some of our favorites:

Rosés

2009 Reverdy Sancerre, Terre de Maimbray (Loire, France. $24.99)

A rare Rosé from the Loire made from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from a single vineyard of 50+ year old vines, fermented in stainless. Soft peach color in the glass, fresh & bright with delicate notes of crystallized rose petals laced with red berries and a refreshing sparkle on the finish. Try it with smoked salmon, air cured ham or spinach & goat cheese salad.

 

2009 Domaine Tempier (Bandol, Provence, France. $40.99)

From the Mediterranean coast of France’s Provence region comes one of the most sought after rosés in the world. Its pale copper color hints at its elegantly structured aromas and flavors of spiced strawberry and delicate cherry notes. It remains one of the world's reference points for how much flavor and character can be built into a rose wine.

 

2009 Domaine de Bastide Blanche (Bandol, Provence, France. $21.99)

Domaine de la Bastide Blanche's Bandol rosé is a blend of 70% Mourvedre, 22% Cinsault and 8% Grenache, made in a full-bodied style with surprising power, depth and structure. It compares favorably to the benchmark roses of the region, Tempier and Domaine Ott. Drink it on its own or with classic Mediterranean cuisine, such as salade Niçoise.

 

2009 Chateau de Segries (Tavel, Rhone Valley, France. $17.99)

The appellation of Tavel, located just southwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in southern France, makes only rosé wines which are often regarded as some of the finest in the world. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, raspberries and white flowers emerge from this elegant, yet intense rosé. The spicy finish is dry, fresh and impressively lengthy.

 

2009 Domaine de Houchart (Côtes du Provence, France. $10.99)

An annual favorite from the Quiot family, this gorgeous dry rosé has the soul of a young Tavel at half the price. Delicate wild red raspberry flavors, a touch of spice and a bright finish make this a perfect match with soft cheeses, quiche and steamed shellfish. This is the quintessential Provençal rosé for casual Spring and Summer sipping.

 

2009 Domaine de Aphillathes (Cotes du Rhone, Rhone Valley, France. $14.99)

This dry rosé is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Counoise with a splash of Mourvedre, and boasts beautiful cherry, strawberry and rose petal aromas. Full-bodied by rosé standards, it has a pleasant mouoth feel, with excellent freshness a delicious, clean finish. This great summer sipper is perfectly tasty on its own, or it be can paired with a variety of Mediterranean cuisine such as lemon and herb-stuffed trout on the grill.

 

2009 Domaine Pierre-MarieChermette (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France. $16.99)

Always among the best Beaujolais for the money, Pierre Chermette practices sustainable farming, performs a green harvest to reduce yields and hand-harvests all the fruit for this wine in order to create a standout wine. The result is a wine of great finesse and elegance, rather than one of candy-like fruitiness that so many Beaujolais can display. Enjoy this with coq au vin, salade Lyonnaise and many other French bistro classics.

 

2009 Chateau Grande Cassagne (Costieres de Nimes, France. $9.99)

Château Grande Cassagne, owned and operated by Benoît and Laurent Dardé, is known for its red wines, however their best-kept secret may be their Rosé. Made from three grapes, the wine exudes red fruits and a strawberry perfume. This rosé is a blend of 60% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, and comes from forty-plus year old vines. Fermented a short time on its skins, it retains an electric pink color, soaring aromatics, and fully dry palate.

 

2009 Muralhas de Moncão Vinho Verde (Portugal. $11.99)

Another great value from one of our favorite distributors, the Muralhas de Monção Vinho Verde is made from the obscure (to us) Alvarelhao, Pedral and Vinhao grapes. A little bit of spritz, low alcohol and bright, fresh flavors of strawberry and watermelon make this dry rosé the perfect wine for a lazy Sunday brunch.

 

2009 Ameztoi (Getariako Txakolina, Basque, Spain. $17.99)

Txakolina, made primarily from the Hondarribi Zuri grape variety, has been a store favorite for years. It's just hard to find. Ameztoi's latest offering is dry and well-balanced upfront, with tangerine and orchard fruit flavors leading through to a beautifully pure finish with a touch of natural effervescence. It would pair perfectly with shellfish and most seafood, especially oysters or light fish.

 

Perelada Cresta Rosa (Penedès, Spain. $10.99)

Perelada from Penedès, a producer and a region renowned for the sparkling Cavas of Spain, brings us this rosé blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. This "vine de aguja", meaning "needle-wine" referencing its touch of spritz, features delicate cherry and raspberry aromas backed by a moderate body and a dry refreshing finish with a pleasant lingering spice. A very versatile wine that does not demand food yet goes with most things edible.

 

2009 Vecchia Torre (Leverano, Puglia, Italy. $9.99)

From the heel of Italy's boot, this deep pink rosato is produced from Negromaro with a touch of Malvasia Nera. Bursting with intense aromas of ripe, red berry and tropical fruits, the fruit-rich palate is fresh, with a lengthy, dry finish. This bright and juicy rosé is a versatile partner with food, and is also plenty enjoyable on its own.

 

2009 Tegernseerhof (Lower Austria. $12.99)

Martin Mittelbach strikes again! Brilliant, almost neon pinkish color. Delicate and elegant, with subtle strawberry and red raspberry flavors that lead to a delightfully dry and crisp mineral tinged finish. One of our annual favorites rosés, year in and year out.

 

2009 Robert Sinksey Vineyards ‘Vin Gris’ (Carneros, California. $28.99)

Aromas of wild strawberry and lime mingle with just a hint of sweet herbs. Those berries burst on the palate joined by zesty but puckerless notes of cranberry and the part of a watermelon just beneath the pink fruit. There’s a delicious savory note as well that reminds you that this is Pinot Noir. The wine is notably rich in the mouth, but with its ample cut it provides the sort of extreme refreshment that makes the urge to guzzle it all down tough to resist.

 

2009 Mulderbosch (Coastal Region, South Africa. $12.99)

A lively and refreshing rosé made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers alluring aromas of rose petals and red cherry and strawberry fruits. Fresh crisp flavors of wild strawberry, cherry, and tangy pomegranate follow, accented with a delicate spice. Zippy yet substantial, this rosé is a great match for everything from crab cakes to roasted poultry with an herb thyme sauce.

 

2009 Montes ‘Cherub’ (Colchagua Valley, Chile. $14.99)

Always crafted in a hearty style by rosé standard, Montes' 'Cherub' is made from 100% Syrah and displays fresh cherry and strawberry fruit. The wine has clean flavors and crisp acidity, with no oak influence. The wine is equally at home paired with an herb-crusted pork tenderloin or a simple barbecue pork sandwich.

  

2004 Steindorfer Eiswein Zweigelt (Burgenland, Austria. $34.99)

Perhaps the most unique wine in our dessert selections. Produced from carefully selected hand picked bunches of late harvest Zweigelt which have frozen on the vine, then rushed to the winery where the grapes are delicately pressed to render the pure essence of fruit nectar. Sweet yet not coying or candied, showing a solid backbone of vibrant acidity laced with red berry fruit flavors and a 30 second finish. A rare and very special dessert style wine.

 

 Sparkling Rosés

 

NV Louis Perdrier Brut (France. $9.99)

This medium-bodied bargain sparkler features refreshingly delicate scents and flavors of red fruits that leads to a nice, dry finish with a fine effervescence.  Made from Pinot Noir blended with a cluster of other varietals it's an altogether amazing value to pair with hors d'oeuvres, smoked salmon, on its own or your next get together.

 

NV Francois Montand Brut (France. $14.99)

Light and refreshing with aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries and cherries with a dry and lively finish. Its supple effervescence delicately plays on your palate making this delicious sparkler easy to enjoy. Classy enough for a special occasion but inexpensive enough to enjoy with chips and salsa, a stunningly great match.

 

NV R. Dumont Brut (Champignol-Les-Mondeville; Champagne, France$39.99)

This great value grower Champagne is built from a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. Boasts a voluptuous, mouth-filling texture and aromas of Kiwi, green apple, biscuit and hazelnuts. Finishes clean and fresh with notes of citrus and green apple with fine, persistent bubbles.  A pleasant surprise in a market flooded with overpriced “brand name” Champagnes. 

 

NV Boizel Brut (Épernay; Champagne, France$62.99)

"Ripe and soft, very creamy in the mouth, a wine that has attractive clean red fruit acidity and definite youthful vitality. There is some softness on the finish from the dosage."  The Wine Enthusiast, 12/1/2009

 

R. Pouillon Premier Cru  (Mareuil-sur-Ay; Champagne, France. $53.99)

"Ripe and soft, very creamy in the mouth, a wine that has attractive clean red fruit acidity and definite youthful vitality. There is some softness on the finish from the dosage."  The Wine Enthusiast, 12/1/2009

 

Canard-Duchene 'Charles VII' Grande Cuvee (Ludes; Champagne, France. $59.99)

"Ripe and soft, very creamy in the mouth, a wine that has attractive clean red fruit acidity and definite youthful vitality. There is some softness on the finish from the dosage."  The Wine Enthusiast, 12/1/2009

 

Avinyo Cava (Penedès, Spain. $25.99)

"Powerful raspberry and cherry aromas are deepened by musky spices and an exotic tobacco quality. Chewy red and dark berry flavors are firmed by bitter cherry akin and pick up licorice and blood orange character with air. More a light red wine than a pink Cava, offering serious depth and finishing cling. I'd serve this singular wine with spicy chorizo and salty sheep's milk and blue cheeses."   Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Oct 08

 

Hillinger ‘Secco’ (Burgenland, Austria. $15.99)

100% Pinot Noir crafted into a sparkling wine made in the Prosecco style, with delicate aromas of fresh strawberries and red berries which follow through on the palate. The flavors are beautifully balanced with a vibrant and refreshingly finish. Make any day a celebration!

 

Gruet Brut NV (New Mexico. $15.99)

"Light pink and attractively priced, this has light strawberry aromas and more substantial cherry and strawberry in the mouth. Gruet has done a fine job managing the bubbles in this wine so that it tickles the tongue more than overwhelms it."  The Wine Enthusiast, 12/31/2006

 

Lini 910 ‘Labrusca’ Lambrusco (Emilia-Romagna, Italy. $14.99)

This is about as far removed as you can get from the Lambrusco on your grocery store shelves. This deeply colored, dry, sparkling rosé has beautiful cherry and strawberry aromas, a creamy texture and moderate alcohol, making it a perfect picnic wine, and a natural pair with a platter of Emilia-Romagna's most famous exports; Parmigiano Reggiano, thinly sliced Prosciutto and crusty bread with olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.