This past weekend, the calendar rudely reminded me that summer had officially packed up and left the building. However, my quest for honestly crafted, sustainably produced rosé and rosados from independent and artisanal winemakers continues. Because, fellow oenophiles, just because summer has made its exit doesn’t mean we can’t continue to enjoy the results of the Saignée method.
Now, while most rosé wines are like that friend who always has to be the life of the party and are best enjoyed fresh and youthful, there are a few French and Spanish rosés that are fine wines – they age gracefully in the cellar, improving with time. I’ll suggest a few at the end, but right now, let’s dive into our end-of-summer selections.
Domaine Gavoty Var La Cigale 2022
55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir.
This wine offers a juicy, slightly saline character with a dry profile and a pleasingly extended finish, which is rather impressive for a wine of its modest appellation. When stacked up against other classified Provençal Rosés, often bearing a significantly higher price tag, this one truly stands out. With its surprising length and complexity, this blend, boasts a delightful peachy and fruit-forward profile, characteristic of any top-notch Provence Rosé.
$18.
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé 2022
Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%)
This Bandol Rosé could be considered the most earnest contender in its category. It exudes robustness, richness, and complexity, all while possessing the remarkable ability to gracefully mature over time. The aroma is both intense and intricate, presenting a concentrated medley of red berries—strawberries, raspberries, red and black currants, pomegranate, along with delicate hints of roses, orange, and lime peel. With a medium body, it maintains a fresh and vibrant character, surprising with its underlying structure and the pronounced flavors of red berries, all underscored by crisp acidity. Notably, this rosé is crafted from the younger vines of the domaine, averaging 25 years of age, resulting in a rare rosé that exhibits remarkable longevity and an exceptional depth of complexity.
$35.
Tira Nanza Malbec Rosé 2022
100% Malbec
A friend recently introduced me to this exceptional wine, which had piqued their interest during their visit to the estate. As far as I know, this wine is exclusively accessible online or by a visit to the estate itself. What sets it apart is the winemaker’s and owners’ unwavering commitment to organic farming practices, coupled with a winemaking philosophy that emphasizes minimal intervention. Their overarching goal is to achieve balance, both in the vineyard and during the winemaking process, in the hope that it results in wines of genuine integrity and purpose.
In appearance, this wine displays a gentle and inviting light hue, accompanied by nuanced notes of pear and melon. The palate reveals a delightful interplay of fresh fruit flavors, evoking a slightly tropical essence, all underpinned by a commendable acidity that imparts a sense of vibrancy. The wine concludes with a remarkably clean finish, leaving a lasting impression of its craftsmanship. It’s truly a lovely crafted representation of the Central Coast of California.
$30.
Rosés and Rosados Worthy of Cellaring
While most rosé wines are typically enjoyed young and fresh, there are a few French rosé wines that have the potential to age and develop more complexity over time. Here are three French rosé wines that are known for their aging potential:
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé $59.
Château Simone Rosé $65.
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé $35
Spanish rosé wines are typically known for their freshness and youthful appeal, there are a few exceptions that age gracefully in the cellar. Here are two for consideration:
Viña Tondonia Rosado Reserva by López de Heredia $125.
Dominio del Aguila, Pícaro del Aguila Clarete, Ribera del Duero $30.