The 10 Best Rosés For Valentine’s Day and Spring

We might be in the dull, gray days of winter, but there is a pink light on the horizon. Valentine’s Day, whether celebrated with friends, a significant other, or even solo, is a break from the cold doldrums. Even more importantly, it’s a sign that spring — and the release of new rosé wines — is imminent.

Although the wine has roots in Provence, France, winemakers all over the world have keyed into the charms of rosé, and many now take the pink-hued sipper as seriously as their white and red wines. A range of styles and price points means there’s a rosé for every palate and occasion, and with Valentine’s Day — the unofficial start of rosé season — and spring just around the corner, here are our picks for the best rosé wines to celebrate with.

The Best Rosés For Valentine’s Day

Inman Family Wines, Endless Crush Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA

The winery from pioneering winemaker Kathleen Inman follows what they call “sensitive farming” in the vineyards, and their rosé showcases this care and attention. The low-intervention winemaking results in a delicate rosé that pays homage to a special bottle and a romantic Provence picnic Kathleen and her husband had while visiting the south of France over 25 years ago. A wine with a love story? Sounds like the perfect pick for V-Day.

Raymond Vineyards, Small Lot Collection Rosé, Carneros, CA

The bordello-inspired tasting room of Raymond is a sultry setting for a flight, and this rosé of pinot noir takes inspiration from the estate’s sexy vibe. Luscious fruit and a hint of citrus make for a lively cuvée — a great complement to any celebratory dinner.

Mulderbosch, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Mulderbosch’s first cabernet-based rosé wine was created in 1999, well ahead of the rosé craze we see today. Their commitment to high-quality wine continues and the property designates specific vineyards solely for rosé production. Bright strawberry and berries give way to hints of herbs and mint in this savory, luscious bottle. Hint: many southern hemisphere producers are already debuting their 2018 vintage.

Mumm Napa, Brut Rosé, Napa, CA

Don’t forget the bubbles! Although the parent company of this estate is a world-renowned French Champagne house, Mumm Napa has earned a quality reputation in its own right. The bright fruit flavors and mousse-y, luscious bubbles in this versatile sparkling rosé are the perfect way to toast to your love.

The Best Rosés For Spring

DeLoach Vineyards, Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA

This biodynamic producer, dedicated to eco-friendly farming practices, sources fruit from their estate vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Redolent of red berries, strawberries, and orange blossom, this delightful, aromatic rosé wine is better than a bouquet of flowers.

Domaines Ott, Clos Mireille, Provence, France

One of the premier rosé wine producers in the birthplace of rosé wine, Domaines Ott established themselves in the Provence region of France in 1896 and have earned a reputation as a serious rosé maker. Their rosés, a traditional blend of grenache, cinsault, and syrah, are revered for their complex yet fresh profile.

J Vineyards, Brut Rosé, Russian River Valley, CA

This vibrant salmon-colored bottle of bubbly comes from the prominent sparkling wine producer, J Vineyards, in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Offering notes of strawberry, blood orange, and almonds, its creamy mouthfeel and lively bubbles add to the overall enjoyment of this energetic sparkling wine.

Bodegas Los Bermejos, Listán Negro Rosado, Canary Islands, Spain

The volcanic soils of the Canary Islands lend a unique profile to this rosé. Unlike ordinary vineyards, vines are cultivated in pits to protect them from the wind. Fresh berries meet a driving minerality in this multifaceted wine.

Long Meadow Ranch, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, CA

Organic champion Long Meadow Ranch focuses on pinot noir at their new-ish property in Anderson Valley. They dedicate vineyard plots to rosé production and take their rosé as seriously as the red expressions of this elegant grape.

Proprietà Sperino, Rosa del Rosa, Piedmont, Italy

This nebbiolo-dominant rosé from a family-run estate in Piedmont has had a cult following for years. It leans on the fuller, more savory side of the spectrum, with strawberry, pomegranate, and delectable baking spice flavors coming through on the palate. High in acidity, it’s a lively, engaging rosé.

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Author

Shana Clarke

Shana Clarke is a freelance journalist and consultant based in New York City. Her work regularly appears in a variety of consumer and trade publications, including Wine Enthusiast, Playboy, USA Today, and SevenFifty Daily, among others. She holds a Level 3 Advanced Certification from Wine & Spirits Education Trust and served as a judge at the TexSom International Wine Awards. Follow her at @ShanaSpeaksWine and see more of her work on www.shanaspeakswine.com