With summer heating up and June’s Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival right around the corner, Justin Kemp, at Varmax Liquor Pantry, talked to us about which rosés to watch for this summer — before, after, and during the festival.
Whispering Angel, 2016, Chateau d’Esclans, Cotes de Provence
Fair enough, Whispering Angel is a big seller. And yet, the wine has merits, says Kemp. It’s classic, crisp, and this year rounded with a nice, firm texture. There are plenty of strawberry and raspberry tones, as is typical of Provence, and there’s a nice floral note and a hint of minerality. $19.99
Domaines Ott, 2016, Clos Mireille, Cotes de Provence
Domaines Ott is one of those Provencal rosés by which most high-end rosés are judged. It comes in an elegant bottle. It’s pale pink, light on the palate and light in tanins. And, for Kemp, there’s the texture: it’s airy and light and exceptionally pleasant. $45.99
Mea Rosa, 2016, Rosato, Liguria di Levante
We leave Provence with this wine and head instead to Liguria, in northwest Italy. Made from the Italian red grape vermentino nero this rosé is heavier in texture and features a serious layer of minerality. There’s substantial strawberry and earthiness, and almost a baking spice note to it, too. $17.99
RELATED: Love all things wine? Check out Salute! A Wine Tasting Tour of Italy on June 6!
Domaine de La Masse, 2016, Cabernet d’Anjou
Made from cabernet sauvignon in the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, this rosé is slightly sweet. The mouthfeel is slightly heavier, it has intense fruit, and there’s a bit of gooseberry or grapefruit that gives it a tropical note, and also prevents the wine from being fully sweet. $12.99
Karine Lauverjat, 2016, Sancerre
Think the Sancerre region of France and your mind typically turns to sauvignon blanc, and yet the region grows red grapes as well. In this case, pinot noir becomes a layered rosé full of soft tanins. It’s also light and fruity—without being bitter—silky, and has a long lingering finish. $19.99
