Ottella “Roses Roses” Rosato Alto Mincio IGT | $17.99
Most of the wine made by brothers Francesco and Michele Montresor in the Lake Garda region of northern Italy is Lugana, a mineral-driven and textured white wine made from Trebbiano di Lugana (actually local strain of Verdicchio). Their rosé is made from a blend of Corvina Veronese, Lagrein, and Rondinella, which is hand-harvested and destemmed before a controlled temperature maceration. This wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, so the palate is crisp and bright, with hints of peach, fruit pit, and refreshing minerality. A delightful aperitif, it will go wonderfully with white fish, chicken, or grilled vegetables.
Kruger Rumpf Pinot Noir Dry Rosé | $19.99
This wild-fermented rosé of Pinot Noir comes from the village of Münster-Sarmsheim in the northern part of Germany’s Nahe wine region. Fermented fully dry in stainless steel, it is a powerhouse rosé, boasting varietally pure Pinot Noir fruit characteristics of sour cherry and just under-ripe strawberry, with mouth-watering acid and sufficient tannin to give the wine some grip and substance. Sturdy enough to pair with a strip steak or baby back ribs, it is utterly irresistible on its own. As the winemaker notes: “This is the kind of wine that constantly makes one wonder how come the bottle is already empty again!” Best to buy a backup bottle or three.
AIX Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé | $21.99
Made from sustainably farmed Grenache (60%), Cinsault (20%), and Syrah (20%) in the appellation of Coteaux d’Aix, where the mistral winds keep the grapes fresh and healthy, this is classic styled Provence rosé, with a clean, delicate color, subtle melon and strawberry notes, and a pronounced mineral and acid framework. The brief maceration (only 5 or 6 hours) assures the freshness and clarity as well as the subtle color for which Provence rosé is justly famed.
