It’s called summer water for a reason, is there anything more summer than sipping on a glass of the best rosé you can find? It’s lighter than other wines, dryer and refreshing, all of which points to a great drink for sipping on a sunny afternoon between June and August.
Rosé wine originated in France, hence the accent in the name, where it now sells more than white wine. Rosé unique pink color occurs when the skin of red grapes only touches the final product for 2-10 hours during production. Some of the best grapes used in rosé wine are from the southern region of France, in places like Provence, the maker of many popular rosé wines.
Other top producers of rosé around the world include Italy, Spain, and the United States. The flavors can range widely but mostly consist of a combination of six things — honeydew melon, strawberry, rose petal, rhubarb and citrus. This flavor profile is built with grape varieties including Grenache, Sangiovese, Syrah, Carignan and Pinot Noir in case you were curious.
Like any wine, there’s rosé you want to try and are going to enjoy, and then there’s the cheap stuff. If you’re going to indulge, you might as well go for something high-quality that’s not just loaded with sugar. You don’t need to spend a ton of money to get rosé that you’ll enjoy this summer, which also won’t give you that distinct sugary-wine induced hangover we’ve all experienced once or twice. We’ve gathered a list of rosé brands worth trying here, as well as the best places to buy them.
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Raise your glass, and your smartphone for an Instagram pic, and toast to summer — a long-awaited season that’s finally arrived.
1. Born Rosé Barcelona
BEST OVERALL
If you’re looking for the best rosé to drink in summer 2021, this is it. Born Rosé Barcelona originates in, you guessed it, Barcelona and for a sweet and fruity wine that goes down incredibly easy, you know you’re getting a good value at $15 a bottle. It’s relatively dry but sweet at the same time, which makes it one of the most interesting rosé wines we’ve ever tried. With a light body and floral flavor, it’s no surprise that it landed itself in the top percent of wines available at Vivino.
2. Apothic Rosé
BEST FOR A DINNER TABLE
While many rosés are made for the beach, picnic basket or afternoon patio happy hour, this one is best served during dinner. If you need a bottle for a dinner party you’re attending, go with this one. It’s boozy, fruity and has a full structure that will support fish, lamb, cheese, salads and other lighter meals well. It’s got bright acidity and is not too expensive so you can treat yourself and your guests to it without breaking the bank. It’s said that the wine is “light in style but dark in nature” and we genuinely couldn’t agree more.
3. Fleurs de Prairie Côtes de Provence Rosé Wine
BEST WITH A CHEESE BOARD
Some drinkers have described the scent of this one as “rose petals” — which lines up with its pale salmon color and strawberry and citrus flurry of flavors. It’s also got a bit of herbs and a bubbly, spritzer palate that’s perfect for summer happy hours. Complete the whole afternoon with a charcuterie board of cheese, fruits and meats and you’ve got the whole summer celebration thing down pat. Also, at $18 a bottle it’s relatively affordable for the occasional treat.
4. Mateus Rosé Wine
BEST BUDGET OPTION
This blend hails from Portugal and is one of the most affordable rosé brands we can find on the market. It’s got an average price of $8.00 depending on where you buy it but still maintains a medium-sweet build and comes in a decorative flask-shaped bottle. Indulge without violating your budget with this affordable rosé.
5. Bev California Rosé Wine
MOST PORTABLE
Rosé from a can? Yes. It can be done, and it’s great. It’s got a fizzy vibe to it with a crisp, dry finish you’ll love at the beach, park or another outdoor conquest you take this summer. Throw a six-pack in your backpack and easily transport your beverage without concern about a bottle breaking or wine bottle opener getting lost. It’s got great taste regardless of its easily transported size, but once you factor in the convenience this one becomes a winner.
6. So Gay Rosé
BEST FOR PRIDE
Oh, you haven’t heard of So Gay Rosé yet? Well, let us introduce you. So Gay Rosé is the best new drink for summer for celebrating Pride as long as you’d like. Sip it whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally. So Gay Rosé was created by our very own Tim Chan, who helped bring SPY to life just a few years back. It’s delicious straight from the can or poured into your most pride-centric wine glass.
7. Avaline Sparkling Rosé
BEST FOR BUBBLY LOVERS
Rosé and champagne is a match made in summertime celebratory heaven. It’s the perfect drink to toast during the warmer months with bubbles and a dry fruity hue that’ll hit the spot. It’s on the pricier end of things so be sure to save it for extra special occasions where you’re ready to pop a cork. And, isn’t warmer weather a reason in itself to celebrate? Pop open Avaline’s Sparkling Rosé for a brand-new, natural taste that’ll make you want to pour glass after glass.
8. Bota Box Dry Rosé
BEST BOX
You can hate on boxed wine all you want, but it really is one of the most affordable ways to drink delicious wine in the summer. It makes a perfect companion for the park, beach or boat with pals and holds a ton of wine for all-day consumption. Bota Box makes the most affordably delicious box of rosé (ever since our bodies can’t handle Franzia anymore). Each box comes at just around $20 each and holds three liters (four bottles) total. It’s delicious served cold and has a really crisp flavor all will enjoy.
9. Krug Rosé Brut Champagne
BEST SPLURGE
This one’s a splurge, but it’s well worth the cash if you’ve got a birthday coming up or a girlfriend you need to apologize to in a major way. It’s another rosé champagne which we can’t get enough of for the taste and festive flair. This particular brand is aged for five years in the Krug cellars before you get to try it, which gives it that crisp and elegant taste you expect from a bottle at this price point.
10. Diving into Hampton Water Vin de France Rosé Wine
BEST CELEBRITY BRAND
This is one of the best rosé wines we’ve seen and fruits of a collaboration between Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse and the master French winemaker Gérard Bertrand. It just released a few years ago but made a major splash in the wine world for its clean, refreshing taste with bursts of bright fruit and a dry finish. It’s got well-maintained acidity that doesn’t take over but is definitely present. It’s got a great blend of grapes from the South of France, including Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvédre. Pair it with anything, for any occasion, it’ll work.
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