Rosé. Every. Single. Day.
Updated: Apr 29, 2020
First off what is rose exactly? It is the oldest form of wine. Rosé happens when the skins of red grapes touch wine for only a short time (2-3 days only vs. weeks). Therefore, is not categorized as a red wine, nor a white wine! Rosé can be made from an array of grapes, there are Cabernet rosés, blended rosés, Nebbiolo rosés.
I mean of course every time I walk into Whole Foods I get to see THIS beautiful set up that obviously works on me every time without fail... (how I hate-love the floor set designers and their on-trend displays)
Rosé wines are typically lighter wines so when pairing with cheese you always want to compliment the wine and cheese together. Lighter wine goes well with "lighter" cheese like brie or a manchego, a more bold wine pairs nicely with a "heavier" cheese like a bite of blue cheese or gorgonzola.
So since I am on a rosé journey I wanted to share the new finds I am venturing to taste and love!
If you've never had a Vinho Verde (VV) then I highly suggest that this as a great first try. Vinho Verde comes from a small region in Northern Portugal known for its super-value whites, reds, and rosés. These wines are loved for mouth-zapping acidity, subtle carbonation, and lower alcohol, making them a great choice for summer.
Origin: Portugal
ABV: 10.5% Vol
MSRP: $8!!!!!
Purchased at Whole Foods Fort Myers, Daniels Crossing
Cheese Pairing: Brie, Camembert
2. CHATEAU D'ESCLANS WHISPERING ANGEL ROSE
Only second to the VV above because I just love VV and can't get enough - this right here is hands down the. best. classic. Rosé.
Origin: France
Varietal: Rhone Blend
MSRP: $19 at Total Wine (you'll find it for $22-$24 at Whole Foods or Publix)
Cheese Pairing: Rum Runner or Humboldt Fog
If you're looking for an Organic Rosé I tried Domaine Bousquet 2019 wine, and was pleasantly surprised! It has a less fruity palate, and is a beautiful light salmon color. If you're looking for a drier Rosé I recommend Domaine Bousquet.
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Purchased at Whole Foods Fort Myers, Daniels Crossing
Cheese Pairing: Cambozola
4. Thibaud Boudignon Rosé de Loire Cabernet Franc Rosé 2018
Fabulous recommended Rosé from my friends at Palace Pub & Wine Bar here in Cape Coral.
Grape: Cab Franc (Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Origin: Loire Valley, France
It's no surprise I loved this rosé since I am a cabernet kind of girl!
Order from Palace Pub exclusively
Address: 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Pickup until 8:00 pm Estimated prep time: 15 minutes
5. Summer Water, 2019
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah
Another fabulous dry, crisp, and refreshing rose, plus the name is just too fun not to buy!
Price $21
I picked this up at Whole Foods, but you can also find this at Total wine who also offers curbside pick up