Each of these eye-catching rosés is ready to join your next picnic, patio party or Tuesday night takeout supper. They range from quite elegant to cheap and cheerful. They’re all drop-dead gorgeous in the glass — and chock full of that irresistibly drinkable, peak seasonal appeal. So, stock up on these excellent wines. The first one hails from Ontario and is $3 off.
NV 13th Street Cuvée Brut Sparkling Rosé, VQA Niagara Peninsula
(Vintages Essential 147504, $26.95 till July 19, reg. $29.95)
Set a stylish tone with a bottle of this undervalued sparkler that’s already sold out at the winery but still available at the LCBO. Each glassful shines petal pink shot through with steady strings of pearly bubbles. Suggestions of strawberry-rhubarb pie lead to a lively attack followed by an intricate dance of energetic but graceful allusions of fruit and biscuit, stone and salt that tastes thoughtfully precise, complex and joyful. Expect a stirring experience that recalls the ocean, berry patches, apple tarts, lemon curd and more. Just yes. (12.5% alc. 9g/L sugar)
NV Antech Cuvée Françoise Crémant De Limoux Brut Rosé, Languedoc, France
Crémant, which means sparkling wine made in the Champagne method from outside that fine French region, is one of the best-value styles in France. This bottle is a case in point. A smart blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc, each sip delivers a veil of lemon-raspberry-and-cream, laced with butter pastry, lanolin and almond — all shot through with tiny bubbles. This is more than a wine. It’s a nod toward easy living, sun-kissed shoulders and sex in the afternoon. Brilliant bottle for the door of the fridge. (12% alc. 7g/L sugar)
2024 Hampton Water South of France Rosé, Languedoc, France
(Vintages 667337, $27.95)
This chic rosé — with its stylish label, glass cap, and bone-dry charm — opens with delicate notes of just-ripe strawberry, fresh blackberry and peach pit. Then, it glides in like liquid light — sheer, sensuous, and instantly evocative. There’s a quiet radiance here, like a perfect beach sunset. Flavours nod toward blood orange, red grapefruit, blanched almond and crushed seashells tasting quietly composed, easy to enjoy yet clearly sophisticated. Serve this blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah with a simple goat cheese salad. (13.5% alc., 1 g/L sugar)
2024 Lafage Miraflors Rosé, Côtes Catalanes IGP, France
(Vintages 367375, $19.95)
This uber-pale rosé starts with barely there aromas of apricot and cool clay before racing in with a taut, pure vinosity. A blend of Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Mourvedre, it has laser-sharp freshness with a mineral edge. Salt-rubbed stone anchors the faint white peach and citrus centre of this understated, decidedly French rosé. It’s coy. It’s airy-fresh. And it’s long with a cool, saline finish that makes it ideal for the table — especially with fish dishes. The glass stopper is a nice touch, too. (12.5% alc. 3g/L sugar)
2024 Botter Oggi Pinot Grigio Rosé delle Venezie DOC, Veneto, Italy
Inexpensive but dry and delicate, this coral-hued rosé invites you in with its soft fragrance. Cherry blossoms and crushed strawberry, a trace of orange zest and a touch of wet stone. The entry is bracing, immediate — a burst of light in a dark room — followed by a silky wash of flavour that nods toward fresh berries and citrus. This light, poised, Italian charmer is just the refreshment you want this time of year. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your summer house wine. It goes with almost anything at all. (12% alc., 4g/L)
NV Sandbanks Rosé, VQA Ontario
For something juicy-sweet to enjoy cocktail style, on the rocks even, this is your wine. It’s a bright blend of Vidal, Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Baco Noir that tastes vivid and approachable. Each sip is a sassy hit of lychee, honeysuckle and pink grapefruit as well as wild strawberry and papaya. A fruit bowl of joy juice. With impeccable balance of sweetness and lip-smacking acidity, each sip finishes clean and dry. Serve it with spicy anything of a Thai noodle salad with tonnes of cilantro. (12.5% alc. 12g/L sugar)
