Rosé Roundup (Photo by Renee Wilmeth)

International Rosé

The weather may be growing cooler, but it’s no reason to stop enjoying rosé. You may think of them as swimming pool favorites, but these wines can be wonderfully full-bodied, making them the perfect seasonal transition before you’re ready for robust reds. Seeing more rosé available from around the world? You’re correct. Retail sales grew an astounding 1400 percent between 2010 and 2020 (according to VinePair), its popularity ensuring that sommeliers are keeping dry pink wines on their wine lists long into the fall. Although French rosé still accounts for 71% of all sales (as of last year), Spain, Portugal, California, and S. America are getting in on the action. Whether you like a light pink, dry rosé, or a heartier light-red saignée style, now is the time to crack open your favorite to celebrate the last of the warm fall.

A week or two ago, a group of us wine lovers (not ready for summer to end) cracked open a flight of international rosés. We were pleasantly surprised by the results, which confirmed that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy great wines this fall. Whether sipping wine on the patio or relaxing in an Adirondack chair around a firepit, one of these international bottles is sure to please.

Tasting Notes

2022 Triennes Rose (France)
This rosé, made in the classic style, has a pedigree to match its taste. Domaine Trienne brings together Burgundy superstars Jacques Seysses from Domaine Dujac and Aubert de Villaines from iconic Domaine de la Romanée Conti to produce gems from Provence. This one has all the classic strawberry fruit on the nose with a rich, pleasing, dry finish. ($18)

2022 Domaine Chamfort Sablet (France)
Sablet is a tiny region on the north end of Gigondas in the heart of the Côtes du Rhone. This Grenache/Syrah blend appears slightly darker in the bottle, but the nose and palate are pure Southern French rose. Light, with slight pink peppercorn and white pepper notes, this wine is perfect with or without food. ($15)

2022 Can Sumoi La Rosa (Spain)
This Spanish rosé may set itself apart with its stubby bottle but doesn’t need a gimmick to shine. A property of Raventos I Blanc, Can Sumoi’s cool, high-altitude climate produces perfectly dry natural wines with great fruit, light color, and a hint of minerality that left me craving Barcelona’s best food. ($12)

2022 Ameztoi Rubentis (Spain)
Everyone noted this bottle had a tiny bit of spritz, which turned out to be a purposeful addition by the winemaker. Tall and bright pink, in a striking bottle usually reserved for Rieslings, this wine is made from a blend of old vines and balanced red fruit with a hint of red pepper for a rich, refreshing wine with a backbone. Shrimp paella, anyone? It was one of the group’s favorites. ($25)

2022 Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Cistercien (Austria)
This Austrian beauty was the surprise fan favorite of the tasting. Medium pink color with just a hint of frizzante, this wine is made from Zweigelt, St. Laurent, and Pinot Noir grapes. Think Pinot Roses have to be heavy? Think again. This bright pink beauty was perfectly balanced with the zippy acidity and cool red fruit flavors, perfect for a fall afternoon. Look for it in a Gruner-Veltliner bottle. ($20)

2022 Milos Stagnum (Croatia)
Frano Milos is a well-known Croatian winemaker specializing in Plavac Mali, the legendary ancestor of Zinfandel. So, it made sense that when he began making a 100% Plavac Mali rose, it would be perfect for those times you want a lighter wine with the “umpf” of a red. This darker pink wine yields a rich, full-bodied, almost savory result. It needs food but is delicious on its own. ($35)

2022 Margerum Riviera Rosé (USA)
This Santa Barbara County rosé was a classic in every way – light pink color with classic crisp acidity. We even speculated that had we tasted it blind, we’d have guessed it was the bottle from southern France. The light minerality of this south coast classic even carried a hint of brine, making it a perfect choice for oysters or other seafood. ($28)