Other Rosés

We have thousands of wines. Although we carry many national brands, that is not our focus. The following are well made and generally more interesting wines that we are proud to recommend.

CVNE Viña Real Rosado, Rioja, 2024 ($15.99) - CVNE is one of Rioja’s finest producers; we carry several of their red wines. This rosé is unique and delicious. Full-bodied, muscular, and colorful, this rosé is the opposite of those from Provence. It was made from 100% Tempranillo grapes harvested at optimum ripeness for aromatic extraction and flavor concentration. The grapes were very lightly crushed and kept cool in stainless steel tanks for 36 hours, after which the skins and seeds were removed. Fermentation then took place at 16 to 18˚C for eight days. The wine has an attractive strawberry color with bluish hints at the edge and a fairly intense aroma of strawberry, redcurrant, raspberry, and licorice. It shows a fine balance between sweet ripeness and acidity and a flavor profile reflecting blood orange, maraschino cherry, rose petal, and pomegranate. Citrus peel acidity and light tannins suggest a wine that will actually develop for a year or so.

Luis Gutiérrez, who writes for the Wine Advocate, loved it: 91 “10% Viura to complement the 60% Tempranillo and 30% Garnacha. It was produced with fruit from younger vines, whose grapes had a brief maceration after which it was pressed and the juice fermented slowly at controlled temperature. It's pale but with a bright pink tint, and closes with some floral notes and hints of apples. It has contained ripeness, 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.31, and 5.71 grams of acidity with a dry finish. It's supple, with some complexity and freshness. 2026-29"

Oddero Langhe Rosato, 2021 ($17.79) - Oddero is an historic Barolo house dating back at least 200 years. The Odderos were among the first producers to estate bottle their Barolo in the late 1850s, a time when most wine was sold in bulk, either in large glass containers or barrels. This certified organic rosé is 100% Nebbiolo from La Morra vineyards, presumably from young vines or grapes that weren’t quite good enough to go into their Barolo wines. It has benefited from a year in the bottle and has more character than most rosés.

Pasquale Pelissero Nebbiolo Rosato Crose, Langhe-Italy, 2021 ($17.99) - What do you do with grapes from young vines (10 years old) that are not quite ready to go into your Barolo? You make a complex, interesting, and substantial rosé out of them. This salmon-colored wine is 100% Nebbiolo from southwest-facing vines. After a soft pressing, the must was macerated for 8 hours, extracting just enough color, tannins, and flavor to give the wine character and age-ability.

Russian River Valley Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir, RRV, 2023 ($17.99) - We add this delightful rosé to the list of wines we carry from this winery. Only 145 cases of this beauty were made. A very cool and slow fermentation enhanced the elegant and delicate floral notes of fresh strawberries and guava that leap from the glass. A year in the bottle has allowed a little Pinot Noir character to peek out. It showcases a wonderful balance of fresh fruit and bright acidity. After a cold soak, it went direct to press (no maceration). A great value!

Dolce Italia Spritz Aperitivo Italiano ($17.99) - Well, sort of a rosé. This is an Aperol spritz knockoff. Aperol is a registered name brand, so Dolce Italia can’t use it, but this looks (rosé with an orange tint) and tastes very much like what you would make at home or get at a restaurant using Aperol and Prosecco. Slightly bitter, slightly sweet, perfect for the summer. The Aperitivo Spritz has a rich history in Northern Italy’s culture of aperitivo, a pre-dinner ritual of socializing over light cocktails and snacks dating to the 19th century, when the Habsburgs, who ruled the Veneto region, enjoyed a refreshing wine-based drink before their evening meal, mixing white wine with a splash of sparkling water. Over time, the spritz evolved, incorporating bittersweet amari liqueurs like Aperol or Campari. Today, the Aperitivo Spritz is a symbol of Italian la dolce vita, a moment to unwind, connect with friends, and prepare the palate for the flavors to come.

Dancing Crow Rosé, Lake County, 2024 ($17.99) - Dancing Crow is owned and operated by Tony Cartlidge and his wife, Sarah Forni, with sons Adam and Stefan. Their high-elevation vineyards sit on the eastern side of Clear Lake in Long Valley, just north of Napa, where vines thrive in rich, volcanic soils with hot days and cool nights. Wine Enthusiast: 92 Best Buy. With a pale pink hue, flesh floral aroma, and graceful red fruit flavor, this Cali rosé nods to Provence with honey complexity and refreshing crispness. 12.5% alcohol. The blend is 53% Zinfandel, 43% Grenache, and 4% Syrah. Winemaker Scott Kirkpatrick says, “The Syrah gives a strawberry fruit aroma and flavor and helps it hold onto some really beautiful acidity. Other flavors of lemon zest, apricot, and watermelon follow, rounding the wine into a menagerie of delicate fruit. However, the secret ingredient is the head-trained Grenache, which gives it a savory impression, both mouthwatering and exciting. Like biting into that first luscious strawberry of the season.”

Bedrock Rosé Ode to Lulu, California, 2021 ($24.99) - Bedrock is best known for the Zinfandels, but they also make terrific Sauvignon Blanc and this rosé. The tiny crops of 2021 meant that there is an extra degree of concentration in this wine.  Also, because vines were struggling due to drought so much in Contra Costa County, they picked some of their best Mataro/Mourvèdre parcels (all of Pato, some Evangelho, etc.) at lower sugars for rosé to take the stress off of vines already doing some hard duty.  Though the wine is, as always, based around old-vine Mataro, they were also able to secure some great Cinsault and Grenache from a vineyard in northern Dry Creek that adds beautiful top notes and perfume.  All in all, one of the most complete Lulus they have made.  This is dangerous stuff; once opened, bottles tend to disappear quickly!