The weather has gotten warmer…

The sun is making regular appearances…

Sleeves–and hemlines–are getting shorter…

Thoughts are irresistibly turning to sitting pool and ocean-side…

Yep, it’s officially rosé season!

I attended my 1st {of many!} rosé wine tasting of the season recently and came across some real gems! I’m always delighted by the fact that there are always new vinos to amaze me. I love coming across delicious new finds which is why I try to make it to as many wine tastings as I can. For me, wine tastings are kinda like the gift that keeps on giving. {wink}

There were 8 rosés in total {no sparkling rosés this time!} and I came away with several great options–not bad for a day’s sipping work. Check out my tasting notes, then grab a bottle or two from the list that intrigues to put into your sipping rotation this spring and summer:

Patrice Moreux Chateau Vigtineres Provence 2015–$16.99

It’s difficult to go wrong with a rosé from Provence! The Chateau Vigtineres is a blend of 50% Cinsault, 35% Grenache, and 15% Syrah–a lovely combination that produces a rich bouquet of raspberries, red cherries, citrus, flowers, and spice. I also picked up a distinctive note of pomegranate, which really made my mouth water in anticipation. Fortunately the flavor profile didn’t disappoint!

Chateau Thuerry Les Abeillons Rosé 2015–$21.99

This one for me was swoon-worthy! Delicate and silky, it’s actually aged for a few months before it is bottled. This Grenache and Cinsault blend was probably my overall favorite, and I’ll definitely be drinking it this spring.

If you’re wondering how this wine tasted, just think silky, delicate, flowery deliciousness. That’s everything you need to know about this rosé.

Left Coast Cellars White Pinot Noir 2014–$24.99

I was super intrigued by this white Pinot based on my knowledge of and experience with Blanc de Noirs champagnes. For the uninitiated, Blanc de Noirs” champagnes are made from red grapes, as opposed to Blanc de Blanc which are made solely from white grapes.

The bell immediately rung in my mind of course when I heard the person pouring say “It’s like champagne without the bubbles!” That’s exactly what it was like too, and it was delicious. There was a ton of tropical fruit on the nose with pear, cherry, and citrus. It was fresh with a lovely balanced acidity. This one is a keeper!

Chateau de Paraza Minervois 2014–$11.99

This easy-on-the-pocketbook, deeply hued rosé is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah. It was mineral-forward on the palate with some red plum and raspberry accents, and was really easy to drink.

I personally would have like a bit more complexity and weight with this one. I always like to encourage people to try things for themselves though, so if you’re looking for a rose with more herbaceous characteristics and that is really light on the acidity, this one might be right up your alley.

Il Poggione Brancato Rosé 2015–$19.99

The Brancato Rosé is the newest wine in the Il Poggione vino lineup. I loved how round this wine was–it was fresh, fragrant, crisp, and juicy. It had a beautiful salmon color with full red berry and citrus nose. The palate was nicely floral and spicy with a deep red cherry kick.

Although it can easily be paired with a bowl of Italian pasta, this rosé is easily one of my #PoolsidePerfectPicks!

Get you some!

Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese 2014–$14.99

I’ll be honest: this one didn’t get me on board right out of the gate with that 1st sip. But being the trooper I am, I kept at it. And you know what? It grew on me–A LOT–as I continued to sip.

I’m so glad that I’m not a quitter.

This wine really opened up for me around the 3rd sip, and I started picking up notes of ripe strawberry, orange-y citrus, and green melon on the palate. The  acidity got pleasantly frisky with me and it really turned out to be a beautiful wine.

Turns out this rosé is actually an award-wining wine–and proof that first-impressions aren’t always the right one.

Duc de Castellac Bordeaux Rose 2009–$9.99

The Duc de Castellac is a dry rose that’s very light in character. There were red berry fruits on the nose and palate with mild acidity. While it’s a thirst quencher, it also felt a little hollow for me–too light in body perhaps.

The blend on this one consisted of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. I think I would have liked this one a bit more if it had more Cabernet Franc in it.

Which leads me to the last wine of the tasting…

Raffault Chinon Rosé 2014–$14.99

I have made the happy discovery that I actually quite like rosés made with 100% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is predominately found in the Loire Valley region of France and is usually regarded mostly as a blending grape only. There aren’t a ton of rose made from the grape, but it seems to be increasing in appeal with wine makers.

My guess is that winemakers are attracted to the grapes unique green and floral notes and aromas. It definitely adds a distinctive profile to the wine. I recently made my 1st foray into the 100% Cab Franc rosé party when I got my hands on a bottle of {now sold out} Halcyon Wines Sparkling Rosé. It was really wonderful! I did an #InstawineReview last week with tasting notes. Go now to check it out here!

Now back to the Chinon Rosé. It’s a really easy-drinking wine with a slightly sweet edge. It was bright and spicy with ripe red berries and grapefruit citrus notes. This is another one of those #PoolsidePerfectPicks that are ideal for the summer months.

Want to get your rosé knowledge on point a bit more? You know The Bubbleista always has you covered, darlings! Click here to read a fun article I wrote that will get you right up to speed.

What are some of your favorite rose picks? Are there any that you want/plan to try or that you think I should try? Let me what they are in the comments!

Cheers!