This is the follow up to my first 2017 Rosé article. In that article I made reference to Part II and said that it will contain many notes on more rosés from different countries and regions plus many more notes on rosés from areas represented in the article. I also said that the format of Part II would be different with just tasting notes in abbreviated form accompanied by a few photos.

So this is Part II. It lists all the 2017 rosés I have tasted that were not included in the first article. And, as I said, the format is different.  The wines are listed in alphabetical order based on the area of production. The wines are then listed in order of preference with brief tasting notes on wines rated Outstanding or Extraordinary. Other 2017 rosés that I categorize as Highly Recommended Plus or Highly Recommended are simply listed with the price and the name of the importer. Finally, rosés that did not merit a Highly Recommended rating are not listed. To get more information on the rosé market, descriptions and photos of the wine regions, and, of course, more tasting notes on 2017 rosés read my earlier article 2017 ROSÉS – A REMARKABLE VINTAGE).

AUSTRIA

I don’t know how many Austrian Rosés are imported to the US, but I do not think there are very many and when I see them I buy them. I have not found many, but the few that I have had I have really enjoyed. Generally they are very elegant and easy to drink.

2017 Lenz Moser Niederösterreich Fête Rosé
This is a very fine example of an Austrian Rosé. It is pale pink in color with a gorgeous floral perfume with an exotic tinge and a faint spiciness. On the palate there is bright strawberry tinged fruit intermingled with a tinge of spice and a faint floral undertone. Silky with a nice underlying crispness this is a delicious rosé that is very easy to drink – Outstanding.          $15         Imported by Niche W & S       Cedar Knolls, NJ

FRANCE

France, of course, is the leading producer of rosé in the world (to read more about rosé production click here). And, there are far more really great rosés produced in France than any other place in the world. In short, when you are looking for rosé, France is the area of greatest opportunity.

Beaujolais

Over the years I have not found too many Beaujolais Rosés. But, more seem to trickle in each year. The wines are characterized by lovely fruit that is beautifully balanced and flavorful

Outstanding

2017 Fabien Collonge Beaujolais Rosé de Gamay
Pale pink in color with a golden hue this rosé has a lovely floral perfume with faint hints of cherry. It is lush, rounded and elegant with hints of cherry fruit and a floral undertone. This is a great example of Beaujolais Rosé with a lot of fruit, charm, and appeal – Outstanding.        $11.99        BEST BUY    Selected  by K&L Wine Merchant             Imported By Kirkcrest Imports, Inc     Danville, CA

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vessoux Beaujolais Les Griottes Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.       $15.95     Imported by Weygandt-Metzler  Unionville, PA

Corsica

Corsica is a very small area with a small wine production. But, the few rosé wines that are produced here are uniquely delicious. I try to buy every Corsican Rosé that I can find each year, but never come across many. My advice is that if you see one try it!

Extraordinary

2017 Domaine Comte Abbatucci “Cuvée Faustine” Vieilles Vignes Ajaccio Rosé
Pale orange color with a golden hue and golden edge, this rosé has a gorgeous floral perfume with a faint apricot nuance and an exotic tinge. Beautifully balanced with lovely, very pure fruit showing subtle hints of apricot and mango with a citrus tinge, it is full flavored with lots of charm. This is a stunning rosé – Extraordinary.          $37        Imported By Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant    Berkeley, CA

Outstanding Plus

2017 Clos Canarelli Corse Figari Rosé
Very pale amber color with a golden hue and golden edge this rose has a lovely perfume that is faintly floral with hints of fresh herbs and a tinge of spice. Very elegant yet flavorful with hints of melon, orange zest, and an underlying lemon-lime nuance this is a really delicious rosé – Outstanding Plus.          $31.99         Imported By Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant    Berkeley, CA

Outstanding

2017 Domaine Maestracci “E Prove” Corse-Colvi Rosé
This is a delicate, but very lovely rosé that benefits from some air. It is pale orange pink in color with a golden hue and has a subtle perfume of herbs and spice with a faint floral nuance. On the palate delicate strawberry tinged fruit is intermingled with floral spice nuances and the wine has a very nice underlying crispness – Outstanding.         $19.95         Imported By Kermit Lyuch Wine Merchant    Berkeley, CA

Languedoc-Roussillon

The Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine producing area in France. And, it seems every year more Languedoc-Roussillon Rosés are imported.  This is an area where many great rosé values are found.

Côtes Catalanes

Outstanding

2017 Domaine LAFAGE Miraflors Rosé Côtes Catalanes
This is a delicious rosé that also happens to come in a beautiful bottle at a very attractive price. It is very pale pink in color with gorgeous perfume showing a floral nuance and faint exotic spice tinge. Beautifully balanced with subtle strawberry fruit complemented by floral and citrus undertones the wine has a nice underlying crispness and is very easy to drink – Outstanding.     $13.99        Eric Solomon Selection      European Cellars, LLC      Charlotte, NC

Corbiéres

Outstanding

2017 Châtau Ollieux Romanis “Cuvée Classic” Corbieres Rosé
Very pale golden pink in color this rosé has a lovely floral perfume with a tinge of citrus. Soft and finesseful with hints of melon and citrus with a floral undertone the wine is beautifully balanced and delicious. And, it is a very good value – Outstanding.         $12.95                Imported by Shiverick Imports          Los Angeles, CA

Languedoc

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Domaine D’Aupilhac Languedoc Rosé  – Highly Recommended Plus.       $12        Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant     Berkeley, CA

Highly Recommended

2017 Diving into Hampton Waters South of France Languedoc Rosé – Highly Recommended.    $19.50      Imported by USA Wine West LLC     Sausalito, CA    Hmmm. What an unusual name!  For $20 you can take a dive!!

2017 Terra Viva Languedoc Rosé Selected by Kermit Lynch – Highly Recommended.    $14.95      Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant       Berkeley, CA

Pays d’Hèrault

Outstanding

2017 Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Pays d’Herault Rosé
Made with 50% Syrah and 50% Carignane this rosé has a pale pink color with a golden hue and golden edge and a lovely perfume with hints of peach and raspberry and a floral tinge. On the palate it has great finesse and balance with lovely raspberry and peach fruit accented by a tinge of citrus. This is a really delicious and easy to drink rosé which also is a great buy – Outstanding.          $8.95         Best Buy       Imported by Beaune Imports           Berkeley, CA

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Ombre Collins de La Moure Pays D’Hèrault Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.    $12.99       Imported by Advantage International Distributors, Inc.     Miami. FLA

Pic Saint Loup

Outstanding Plus

2017 Château La Roque Pic Saint Loup Rosé
Very pale in color with a faint amber hue and golden edge this rosé has a gorgeous perfume with subtle hints of apricot and a faint floral undertone. With great finesse and lovely flavors showing hints of apricot with a citrus tinge the wine is beautifully balanced and really delicious – Outstanding Plus.         $20         Imported by Kermit Lynch Imports        Berkeley, CA

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Château Fontanès Pic Saint-Loup Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.          $17.99
Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant     Berkeley, CA

2017 Ravaille Frères “comme trois poissons dans l’eau” Ermitage su Pic Saint Loup Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.       $17.95         Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant     Berkeley, CA

Saint-Drézéry Languedoc

Outstanding Plus

2017 Puech-Haut Prestige Languedoc Rosé
This is a really delicious rosé that comes in a beautiful bottle. Very pale pink in color with a faint golden hue and golden edge it has a gorgeous floral perfume with faint cherry nuances. Elegant and very flavorful with floral, cherry, and citrus nuances it is beautifully balanced with a nice underlying crispness – Outstanding Plus.       $17.99            Imported by European Cellars       Charlotte, NC

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is best known for its crisp and delicious white wines. But the area also produces red wines mostly from Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir grapes. And, there are also a large number of rosés produced here as well.

Bourgueil

Outstanding Plus

2017 Domaine Les Pins “Cuvée Les Rochettes” Bourgueil Ros
Pale pink in color this rosé has a gorgeous perfume showing raspberry and strawberry fruit. On the palate it has a myriad of red fruit flavors including raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon  with just a tinge of citrus on the finish. This is a really delicious fruit forward rosé with great appeal – Outstanding Plus.        $12.99       Best Buy      K&L Selection      Imported by DJK Imports   South San Francisco, CA

Outstanding

2017 Domaine De La Chantelleuserie Bourgueil Rosé
Pale pink in color with a lovely floral perfume showing a raspberry nuance and a tinge of citrus this rosé is delicate and finesseful with subtle hints of raspberry and strawberry. It is very pure and flavorful with lovely balance accented by a nice underlying crispness and is a pleasure to drink – Outstanding.       $17.99       Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant   Berkeley, CA

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Catherine et Pierre Breton La Ritourelle Bourgueil Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.        $25.99          Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant  Berkeley, CA

Chinon

Outstanding

2017 Bernard Baudry Chinon Rosé
This is consistently a really lovely rosé. This 2017 is very pale orange pink in color with a golden edge and has a lovely berry perfume with floral tinge. Crisp with lovely berry fruit accented by a floral tinge the wine is beautifully balanced and flavorful with a nice citrus tinged finish – Outstanding.        $24.99          Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant  Berkeley, CA

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Domaine de Noiré Chinon Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.       $18.99       Imported by North Berkeley Wine   Berkeley, CA

Reuilly

Outstanding Plus

 

2017 Domaine de Reuilly Reuilly Pinot Gris
Year in and year out this is a really distinctive, unique, and delicious rosé. It is made from the Pinot Gris grape which is a mutation of Pinot Noir that is a white variety with a faintly reddish blue grey skin. With a very pale golden color with a very light pink hue and a golden edge this rosé has a gorgeous faintly exotic floral perfume with a tinge of spice. It is rounded and lush with floral citrus nuances and faint hints of exotic spice. Beautifully balanced with a nice underlying crispness and a very faint citrus tinge on the finish this is again a gorgeous rosé – Outstanding Plus.        $20.99           Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant  Berkeley, CA

Sancerre

One of my favorite rosés (and I have a lot of favorites) is Sancerre. Sancerre Rosés, made mostly from Pinot Noir, are very versatile and food friendly and age gracefully for many years.

Outstanding Plus

2017 Alain Girard & Fils Sancerre Rosé
Very pale orange in color with a golden edge this rosé has a lovely cherry tinged perfume with underlying floral citrus tinges. Bright and crisp the wine is brimming with very pure red fruit showing subtle hints of cherries and berries with a tinge of citrus. Very flavorful and beautifully balanced this is a gorgeous Sancerre Rosé – Outstanding Plus.          $24         Bertrand Demontoux Selection   USA Wine Imports Inc.   New York, NY

2017 Cherrier Pere et Fils “La Croix Poignant” Sancerre Rosé
Pale pink in color with a golden edge this rosé has a gorgeous floral perfume with cherry tinges. On the palate it has lovely cherry and berry fruit with a floral undertone and has a bright underlying crispness. Balanced and flavorful this is a delicious Sancerre Rosé – Outstanding Plus.      $25    Imported by North Berkeley Wine   Berkeley, CA

2017 Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy “Terre de Maimbray” Sancerre Rosé
Very pale pink color with a faint golden edge this rosé has a lovely perfume with hints of cherry and a faint citrus nuance. It is very elegant, balanced, and finesseful with lots of cherry tinged fruit and tinge of citrus on the finish. With lots of flavor this is a really gorgeous Sancerre Rosé – Outstanding Plus.        $20.95         Peter Weygandt Selection          Imported by Weygandt-Metzler        Unionville, PA

Outstanding

2017 Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre Rosé
Very pale pink in color with a golden hue this wine has a lovely floral and berry perfume with a faint exotic tinge and a hint of citrus. Crisp, yet balanced with lovely fruit showing a citrus tinge this Sancerre Rosé is very elegant with a nice persistence on the palate – Outstanding.        $17.99         K&L Selection      Imported by DJK Imports      South San Francisco, CA 

2017 Gérard Boulay “Sibylle” Sancerre Rosé
Light reddish pink in color this rosé has a lovely cherry tinged perfume with a faint floral undertone. On the palate it has lots of fruit with faint floral and citrus tinges and a nice underlying crispness. This is a lovely fruit driven Sancerre Rosé – Outstanding.         $26
A Thomas Calder Selection      Imported by Polander Selections      Mount Kisco, NY

2017 Lucien Crochet Sancerre Rosé
Pale pink in color with a golden hue this wine has a lovely floral tinged perfume with hints of melon and citrus.  With lovely fruit that is subtle yet flavorful it shows faint hints of raspberry, citrus, and melon with a very faint spice tinge.  This is a lovely beautifully balanced Sancerre Rosé – Outstanding.        $29.99        Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant       New York, NY

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Domaine de Côtes Blanches Sancerre Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.        $19,95
K&L Selection      Imported by DJK Imports      South San Francisco, CA

2017 Paul Thomas Chavignol Sancerre Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.       $18.95         Imported by Langdon Shiverick    Los Angeles, CA

Val de Loire

Highly Recommended

2017 J.Mourat Collection Val de Loire Rose – Highly Recommended.           $13.99           A Thomas Calder Selection     Imported by Garber & Co.   Topanga, CA

Provence

This is a large area in the south of France that is home to many great wines including many rosés.

Cassis

Extraordinary

2017 Clos Ste Magdelaine Cassis Rosé
This domaine was founded over 100 years ago. It is very small and makes mostly white wine with only a little rosé. The rosé is made from 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, and 20% Mourvèdre. It is always one of the most refined, delicate, and finesseful rosés and marries these qualities with flavor and length on the palate. Each year it is one of my favorite rosés and this 2017 is again very special.  Very pale golden pink in color with a faint golden edge this wine has a gorgeous perfume with subtle hints of raspberry and cherry showing a faint floral undertone. On the palate, it has great finesse and elegance with a myriad of flavors including raspberry and strawberry with floral citrus undertones. Very harmonious through and through, this rosé is exquisite and really delicious – Extraordinary.          $34.99          Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant         Berkeley, CA

Côteaux D’ Aix en Provence

Outstanding Plus

2017 Chateau Pigondet “Classic” Côteaux D’ Aix en Provence  Rosé
With a very pale color showing a very faint golden orange tinge this rosé has a gorgeous perfume with hints of apricot showing a floral undertone. On the palate the wine has great fruit and flavor with subtle hints of apricot and peach and a faint citrus tinge. Finesseful and very harmonious with great balance this is a really delicious rosé – Outstanding Plus.          $15         BEST BUY        Imported by T. Edward Wines      New York, NY

Outstanding

2017 Domaine De La Chapelle Saint-Victor Côteaux D’ Aix en Provence Rosé
Very Pale pink in color this rosé has a deep perfume with hints of peach, rose petals, and a very faint spice tinge. It has lovely fruit with hints of peach showing a floral undertone and is flavorful, elegant, and balanced with a nice underlying crispness – Outstanding.        $14.99      K&L Selection        Imported by DJK Imports      South San Francisco, CA

 Côtes de Provence

The Côtes de Provence is the most significant rosé wine producing area in France producing an astounding number of great rosés. Rarely am I disappointed. This is another area that offers an opportunity to buy many great rosés and often at great price points. Some of the best are also the most expensive, but rarely above $40 bottle. And, you can find some really nice Côtes de Provence Rosés at prices around or even under $10 a bottle.  That’s value folks!

Outstanding Plus

2017 Château Minuty “M de Minuty”Côtes de Provence Rosé
Pale pink in color with a faint golden hue this rosé has a lovely floral perfume with hints of peach and a tinge of citrus. Very flavorful and refined with beautiful balance the wine has peach tinged flavors with subtle floral citrus flavors and a nice underlying crispness.  This is a really gorgeous rosé – Outstanding Plus.       $21      Imported by Chateau and Estate Wines       Napa, CA

2017 Domaine Sainte Marie Vie Vite Côtes de Provence Rosé
Made with 30% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignane this is an elegant and very flavorful rosé. It has a very pale salmon pink color with a golden hue and a great perfume with hints of peach, apricot, and strawberry. Bright and crisp yet with beautiful balance and delicate flavors with suggestions of peach, strawberry, and citrus this is very special – Outstanding Plus.         $16.99        Imported by Turquoise Life  LLC     New York, NY

2017 Réserve Des Bertrands Elegance Côtes de Provence Rosé
Very pale color with a tinge of pink and a faint golden edge this rosé has a lovely floral tinged perfume with hints of strawberry.  Flavorful and beautifully balanced it has subtle hints of strawberry fruit with a floral tinge and is very elegant and finesseful. This is a really delicious rosé – Outstanding Plus.      $17      Imported by Maisons and Domaines Henriot America    New York, NY

Outstanding

2017 Breezette  Côtes de Provence Rosé Côtes de Provence Rosé
Pale pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge this rosé has a floral perfume with hints of peach and a tinge of fresh herbs. Flavorful and rounded with hints of peach and strawberry with a citrus tinge it is beautifully balanced with elegance and a nice crispness on the finish – Outstanding.      $14.99          Imported by Turquoise Life  LLC     New York, NY

2017 Château Des Bormettes L’Argentière Côtes de Provence Rosé
Pale orange pink with a golden hue this rosé has a lovely floral perfume with a hint of cherries. It is balanced and very flavorful with hints of peach and strawberry fruit with a citrus tinged floral nuance. This is a lovely, very elegant rosé – Outstanding.    $17     Imported by Polander Selections    Mount Kisco, NY

2017 Château Lèoube Rosé de Lèoube  Côtes de Provence
Pale orange pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge this rosé has a lovely floral perfume with very pure fruit showing subtle hints of strawberry and peach with a citrus tinge. Finesseful and balanced this is a really lovely rosé – Outstanding.      $21.99      Imported by Chambers & Chambers     San Francisco, CA

2017 Château Pradeaux  Côtes de Provence Rosé
Pale orange in color with a golden edge this rosé has a lovely floral perfume with hints of melon and spice. On the palate is has lovely fruit with melon and tangerine nuances and is beautifully balanced with a nice underlying crispness. This is a distinctive rosé that is delicious – Outstanding      $17.99     Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant    New York, NY

2017 Domaine du Dragon Grand Cuvée  Côtes de Provence Rosé
Pale pink in color with an orange hue and faint golden edge this rosé has a floral perfume with subtle hints of strawberry and a faint citrus tinge. On the palate the wine is beautifully balanced with lovely fruit showing subtle hints of strawberry with floral citrus nuances. Finesseful and flavorful this is a lovely rosé – Outstanding.     $17      Imported by North Berkeley Wine    Berkeley, CA

2017 Domaine Val D’Astier  Cuvée Val  Côtes de Provence Rosé
Pale pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge this rosé has a lovely faintly floral perfume. It is balanced and flavorful with hints of berry fruit showing a floral citrus undertone. Finesseful with a tinge of crispness this is a delicious rosé – Outstanding.       $18.99      Imported by Allen Walker Collection LLC     Houston, TX

2017 Fabre en  Provence Côtes de Provence Rosé
Seventeen generations of the Fabre family have made wine in Provence. This is a really lovely rosé. It is pale pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge and has a berry tinged perfume with floral citrus nuances. On the palate the wine has very nice fruit with subtle hints of berry fruit with a faint floral undertone and a tinge of citrus.  Beautifully balanced it is elegant and flavorful with a lot of charm – Outstanding.        $13.95           Imported by August Wine Group    Seattle, WA  

2017 Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé
This rosé debuted several years ago and has rapidly become one of the biggest selling premium priced rosés in the US. I first tasted the wine in the 2013 vintage. Here is what I said then:
Miraval is a new rosé that first appeared as a 2012 last year. It is a joint venture between the well known Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angela Jolie and Famille Perrin from grapes grown on the estate the couple owns in the Côtes de Provence. As might be expected, the 2012 was met with a deluge of enthusiasm with some hyping it to the point of calling it the greatest rosé in the world!  Well, after all, that’s Hollywood!!
The wine is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle and, forgetting the hype, this 2013 is a lovely stylistic rosé…. Very easy to drink, there is no question that this is a terrific rosé – Outstanding.
And each year since the wine has been consistently outstanding and it is available in wide distribution.
This 2017 is again really lovely. It is very pale pink in color and has a lovely floral tinged peach perfume. It is beautifully rendered with elegance, finesse, and balance and has delicate peach tinged flavors with a kiss of citrus – Outstanding.       $24        Imported by Vineyard Brands      Birmingham, ALA

Highly Recommended Plus

2017  Domaine Des Aspras Les Trois Frères Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommmended Plus.        $16.99        Imported by Wine House Limited      San Francisco, CA

2017 Henri Gillard Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended.         $15          Imported by Advantage International Distributors     Miami, FL

2017 Le Provencal Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.      $13.99     Imported by Michael Corso Selections      Oak Park, Illinois

2017 Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.     $15      Imported by Amici Cellars       Calistoga, CA

2017 Sables d’Azur Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.      $12.49       Imported by Vinum International   Napa, CA

I mentioned earlier that you can find some really nice Côtes de Provence Rosés at prices around or even under $10 a bottle.  As evidence of this, recently Costco offered a 3-pack of 2017 Côtes de Provence Rosés for $29.99. The wines were imported by MISA Imports Dallas, TX. All 3 of the wines were really lovely and very enjoyable with very subtle differences. This is an example of what you need to be aware of when shopping for rosés. If you snooze, you lose!

2017 Domaine La Sanglière Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.
2017 Domaine Roquatelle Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.
2017 Domaine Sumiere Côtes de Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.

Highly Recommended

2017 Vignoble Dragon La Belle Hélène Côtes de Provence Rosé – – Highly Recommended.      $13.99       K&L Selection    Imported by DJK Imports   South San Francisco, CA

Côtes de Provence Ile de Saint Tropez

Outstanding

2017 Maitres Vigernons de la Presquilé Isle de Saint Tropez  Fleur de Mer Rosé
Pale salmon pink in color this rosé has a lovely perfume with hints of orange blossom and a tinge of peach. It is a lovely elegant and finesseful wine with subtle floral nuances with hints of citrus and peach. Beautifully balanced this is delicious – Outstanding.          $19.99          Imported by Wine Brokers Unlimited       Hayward, CA

Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire

Outstanding Plus

2017 “Gassier le Pas du Moine” Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire Rosé
This wine is named for the path the monks used on the Sainte Victoire Mountain. It is a very pale orange pink in color with a golden hue and has a lovely citrus tinged perfume with a faint exotic nuance. Crisp, yet with great finesse and balance, this is a very stylistic and flavorful rosé with faint hints of melon and subtle floral and citrus tinges – Outstanding Plus.          $24           Imported by Wilson Daniels LLC      St. Helena, CA.

2017 Vignoble Dragon Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire Rosé
Very pale pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge this rosé has a lovely perfume with hints of melon and citrus. It is finesseful and elegant with hints of melon and peach showing floral undertones and a nice underlying crispness. This is a really delicious rosé – Outstanding Plus.          $17.99            K&L Selection     Imported by DJK Imports South San Francisco, CA.

Coteaux Varois En Provence

Outstanding

2017 Chateau La Calisse Coteaux Varois En Provence Rosé
Pale pink in color this rosé has a lovely floral perfume with hints of strawberry. It is very elegant with lots of finesse and has lovely fruit flavors with hints of strawberry and a very faint floral citrus nuance. Soft and rounded with just a tinge of citrus on the finish this is a delicious rosé – Outstanding.         $27       Katell Pleven Selections      New York, NY

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Chateau Trians Coteaux Varois En Provence Rosé – Highly Recommended.         $12.99           K&L Selection     Imported by DJK Imports South San Francisco

Les Baux de Provence

Outstanding

2017 Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence Rosé
Pale orange pink in color with a golden hue this rosé has a gorgeous perfume with an exotic nuance and floral berry undertones. It has lovely balance and delicious strawberry tinged fruit with a floral spice complexity and is harmonious with a lot of flavor – Outstanding.            $14.99            Imported by North Berkeley Wine     Berkeley, CA

Nans-les-Pins

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Triennes Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.     $15.99       Imported by Chambers and Chambers   San Francisco, CA 

Rhone Valley

The Rhone Valley is primarily known for red wines made mostly from Grenache and Syrah. But it also makes some very fruity and flavorful rosés that can be great values. And, it is home to Tavel which is the only area in France that makes only rosé.

Costières de Nimes

Outstanding

2017 Campuget Costières de Nimes Tradition Campuget Rosé
This is consistently a delicious fruity rosé that offers really good value. Pale salmon pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge this 2017 has a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of watermelon and a touch of citrus. Very fruity and bright with berry and watermelon flavors accented by a nice underlying crispness this  is a gorgeous rosé –  Outstanding.               $11.99            Best Buy         Imported by Dreyfus Ashby & Co.       New York, NY

 

2017 Château d’Or et de Gueles “Les Cimels” Costières de Nimes Rosé
This is another consistently delicious fruit driven rosé. This 2017 is pale pink in color with a very faint golden edge. It has a lovely floral perfume with hints of watermelon and a very faint hint of spice. Balanced, flavorful, and fruity with faint floral spice undertone this is a very appealing rosé – Outstanding.       $14.99      Imported by DSWS     New York, NY

2017 Château Mourgues Du Grès Galets Rosé Costières de Nimes
Made with 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mouvèdre this rosé has a very light red color with a faint golden hue and lovely berry and cherry perfume. On the palate it has lots of red fruit flavors and is supple, lush, and rounded with a nice underlying crispness. This is a delicious fruit driven rosé – Outstanding.       $15        Imported by Paul M. Young Fine Wines      Los Angeles, CA

Côtes Du Rhone

Outstanding

2017 Le Caillou Côtes Du Rhone Caillou Rosé
Light reddish pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge this rosé has a deep perfume with hints of raspberries and cherries. Rounded supple and fruity with lovely raspberry and cherry flavors with faint floral notes and a tinge of citrus this is a gorgeous fruit driven rosé – Outstanding.         $22.95              Imported by North Berkeley Wine     Berkeley, CA

Gigondas

Outstanding Plus

2017 au petit Bonheur Les Paillières Gigondas Rosé
Pale orange pink in color with a golden hue and golden edge this rosé has a lovely perfume with a subtle floral berry nuance. Very elegant and stylistic with  subtle berry fruit showing a floral undertone and a faint exotic nuance the wine is crisp and bright yet is beautifully balanced. This is a very appealing and delicious rosé – Outstanding Plus.        $25        Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant        Berkeley, CA

Tavel

Tavel has a long and storied history and produces some of the fruitiest and most flavorful rosés on the planet.  Tavel is another one of my very favorite rosés and there are some especially good ones in 2017. And there are many really good values!

Outstanding Plus

2017 Chateaux De Trinquevedel Tavel
This is a consistently great Tavel. Light red in color with a faint golden hue this 2017 has a deep perfume showing a myriad of red fruits with faint floral note. On the palate it is brimming with red fruit flavors accented by a floral and citrus nuance. Well defined with wonderful balance showing a nice underlying crispness this is a stunning Tavel – Outstanding Plus.          $16.95              Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant        Berkeley, CA

Outstanding

2017 Château De Manissy “Cuvée Des Lys” Tavel
Light red in color with a pink hue and golden edge this rosé has a lovely berry tinged perfume with a faint floral spice nuance. Rounded, supple, and full of fruit with faint floral undertones this is a delicious and beautifully balanced  Tavel – Outstanding.           $15.95              Peter Weygandt Selection       Imported by Weygandt-Metzler      Unionville, PA

2017 Domaine La Rocalière Tavel le classique Thone Sud
Light red in color with a golden edge this wine has a gorgeous perfume with floral hints, berry and cherry fruit, and just a whiff of spice. Flavorful with a myriad of very pure red fruit flavors this lovely Tavel is beautifully balanced with a nice underlying crispness – Outstanding.         $14.95          Imported by Paul M. Young Fine Wines         Los Angeles, CA

Ventoux

Outstanding

 

2017 Domaine De Fondrèch Ventoux Rosé Rhone Valley Vineyard
Pale pink in color with a golden edge this rosé has a gorgeous floral perfume with hints of red berry fruit and faint whiff of spice. Very elegant with great finesse and flavor the wine has very pure fruit and is lush yet with a nice underlying crispness. This is a delicious rosé – Outstanding.             $16.99            Imported by The Wine House Ltd        San Francisco, CA

Vin de France

Highly Recommended

2017 Jean Gamay Rosé – Highly Recommended.     $16        Imported by Pellegrini Wine Co.    Santa Rosa, CA

Vin De Pays Du Var

Highly Recommended

2017 Aspras ‘a Lisa Rosé – Highly Recommended.      $13.99        Imported by Wine House Limited        San Francisco, CA

GERMANY

In recent years we have started to see a few German Rosés in the US market. They are mostly made from Pinot Noir and a few that are made from other not well known grapes. All the ones I have tasted are dry and fruity. They are also very appealing, well priced, and are worth buying.

Outstanding Plus

2017 Fritz Müller Perlwein Rosa Trocken
This lovely fruity rosé is made from the traditional Portugieser grape with some Pinot Noir. Very light red in color with a golden edge it has a lovely cherry and berry tinged perfume with a faint hint of spice and a floral nuance.  Loaded with red fruit, the wine is rounded with a nice underlying crispness and a very faint petulance which accentuates the fruit and adds definition. This is a really lovely rosé – Outstanding Plus.        $14.95         Best Buy       Rudi Wiest Selection       Imported by Cellars International, Inc.       Carlsbad, CA

2017 Meyer-Näkel  Spätburgunder Rosé Ahr
Light reddish color with a faint pink tinge and a golden edge this rosé has a lovely fruity perfume with hints of cherry. It is rounded and very fruity again with hints of cherry and is rounded and lush yet maintains a bright crispness underneath. This rosé is a very flavorful that is a delight to drink – Outstanding Plus.       $23.95       Rudi Wiest Selection       Imported by Cellars International, Inc.     Carlsbad, CA

Outstanding

2017 Von Buhl Spätburgunder Rosé Pfalz
Light reddish pink in color with a golden edge this rosé has a subtle floral perfume with faint berry nuances. Finesseful and crisp yet with lovely fruit and flavor this is a lovely beautifully balanced rosé – Outstanding.       $15.95       Rudi Wiest Selection       Imported by Cellars International, Inc.    Carlsbad, CA

2017 Wagner Stempel Rosé Rheinhessen
This rosé is an unusual blend of Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, and Pinot Madeleine. It is light pink in color with a faint golden hue and has a lovely floral perfume with a faint berry tinge. Very finesseful and elegant on the palate it also retains a lovely subtle fruitiness with a kiss of spice and a nice citrus tinge. The overall impression of this rosé is delicate flavors rendered with great balance and style – Outstanding.          $14.95           Rudi Wiest Selection       Imported by Cellars International, Inc.    Carlsbad, CA

ITALY

Italy is one of the leading producers of rosé in the world, but recently it seems to be producing less rosé. And, in the US market, Italian rosés seem to be quite limited.

Outstanding

2017 Castagnoli Toscano Rosé
Very light reddish orange in color this rosé has a lovely spice tinged perfume with floral and cherry nuances. Flavorful and rounded with subtle hints of cherry and citrus fruit the wine needs some air to really blossom. Then the fruit becomes more obvious and the wine is expressive and shows beautiful balance – Outstanding.      $22     Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Berkeley, CA

 2017 Corte Gordoni Bardolino Chiaretto Rosé
Year in and year out this is a lovely fruity rosé that represents very good value. Very light orange in color with a lovely floral perfume showing hints of strawberry the wine has a lot of elegance and is very harmonious. Subtle strawberry nuances are intermingled with a tinge of raspberry and citrus and the wine has a nicely balanced  crispness on the finish  – Outstanding.        $14       Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant    Berkeley, CA

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Rocca Di Montegrissi Toscana Rosato    Highly Recommended Plus.   $16.95       Imported by North Berkeley Imports    Berkeley,  CA

2017 Murgo Etna Rosato    Highly Recommended Plus.   $15       Imported by North Berkeley Imports    Berkeley,  CA

Highly Recommended

2017 Cantalupo il Mimo Nebbiolo Rosé Colline Novarosi   Highly Recommended.    $16 Imported by Polander Selections  Mount Kisco, NY
2017 Colle Maggio Cerasuolo d’ Abruzzo Rosé   Highly Recommended.    $16.99    Imported by The Wine House   San Francisco, CA
2017 Giuseppe Roagna L’ Me Vino Rosato    Highly Recommended.      $15          Imported by Tanaro River Imports, LLC   Irvine, CA
2017 Purple Rosé Castello di Ama Siena, Italy    Highly Recommended.      $18.50    Imported by The Sorting Table  Napa, CA

SPAIN

Spain is another leading producer of rosé. While I do not see a lot of them in the market here the ones I do see are generally of really good quality and attractively priced.

 

2017 Ostatu Rosato Rioja
Very pale pink in color with a faint golden hue this rosé has a lovely floral perfume. Bright and crisp with citrus tinged strawberry fruit the wine is finesseful yet flavorful. Balanced and really tasty this is a style of rosé that I find very attractive as a great complement to very light summer foods – Outstanding.          $14.99       Imported by De Maison Selections      Chapel Hill, NC

Highly Recommended

2017 Olivades Hoya De Santa Ana Vineyard Rosé – Highly Recommended.      $13      Imported by The Rare Wine Company      Brisbane, CA

USA

I have been tasting and drinking California Rosés for many years. Each year more and more come on the market. But, as I have said, often they do not meet my expectations although there are always some really good ones that I recommend and write about (to read about the 2017 California Rosés click here). Now it seems the trend to rosés is spreading slowly across the country. I tasted a few new ones this year that represent both coasts. This is the first time I have tasted rosés from Long Island, NY and Oregon.

Long Island, NY

Outstanding

2017 Wölffer Estate Grandioso Rosé
Pale pink in color with a golden hue this rosé has a lovely floral citrus perfume with a kiss of spice. Flavorful with a faint peach nuance and an underlying citrus tinge the wine is beautifully balanced with a nice underlying lemon-lime crispness. This is an unusual, but delicious rosé – Outstanding.     $35

2017 Wölffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Rosé
This wine deserves an award for the most decorative and ornate bottle of the year. And, even if the bottle is a little over the top, the wine inside is balanced, flavorful, and very attractive. It has a very pale orange color with a golden hue and a lovely perfume that is very faintly floral with faint hints of spice and lemon-lime. Crisp, yet elegant with faint suggestions of raspberry and strawberry with citrus undertones this is a lovely rosé with style and finesse – Outstanding.    $30

Oregon

Highly Recommended Plus

2017 Portlandia Oregon Rosé – Highly Recommended Plus.     $14.99