It’s time to reach for a glass of rosé as the summer months arrive.Pelham Family Estate Winery/Supplied
The heatwave in parts of Canada this week didn’t only signal the onset of summer. Those rising temperatures also ushered in rosé season for many wine lovers.
Cooler temperatures during spring led to sluggish rosé sales, according to marketers and retailers.
While crisp and refreshing pink wines are increasingly celebrated as delicious and versatile year-round options, their popularity soars during warm weather months.
Here are three delicious examples that have stood out in recent tastings.
Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2024 (France), $30.95
Rating: 93
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Canada/Supplied
Whispering Angel continues to grow in volume and reputation, which is an impressive feat for any wine, let alone a rosé selling for more than $30 per bottle. First launched by Château d’Esclans in 2006, this has become a leading example of Provençal rosé. A blend of grenache, cinsault and rolle (aka vermentino) results in a nicely balanced wine that suggests a mix of red berry, citrus and floral notes as part of its refreshing, focused character. A silky texture and mouth-watering finish make this worth the splurge. This has 13 per cent ABV and 2 g/l r.s. Drink now-2027. Available at the above price in Ontario, $39.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $34.16 in Manitoba, ($30.16 until June 30), $31 in Quebec, $36.80 in New Brunswick, $32.68 in Nova Scotia.
Henry Of Pelham Rosé 2024 (Canada), $14.95
Pelham Family Estate Winery/Supplied
Rating: 88
A blend of gamay and other grape varieties grown in vineyards across Niagara, Henry of Pelham’s rosé is made in a consistently enjoyable style. A pleasing mix of red berries and floral notes standout as part of a well-balanced pink wine with a hint of sweetness. This has 11.5 per cent ABV and 10 g/l r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario ($12.95 until July 20) or direct, henryofpelham.com, $15.99 in Manitoba.
Mayhem Rosé 2024 (Canada), $21.83
Rating: 88
Following a January frost that wiped out 98 per cent of the grape crop from Mayhem’s Anarchist Mountain Vineyard vineyard in 2024, the winemaking team secured merlot grapes from Gearheart Vineyard in Washington State’s Wahluke Slope appellation. Made in a nicely balanced fruity and fresh style, this makes the most of its core of juicy red fruit flavours. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 5.14 g/l r.s. Drink now. Available direct, mayhemwines.com, various prices in Alberta.
