Pretty in Pink: six quality rosés to bring to the barbecue

Rosés are the thing to drink this summer—they’re dry, refreshing and a great match for the ’cue

By David Lawrason

Now that rosé is fashionable, it’s time to raise a red flag. Pink wines require no aging, so they’re a cash cow for less reputable winemakers, who routinely use tricks (like blending red and white wines, using grapes that don’t make the cut for red wines, or adding sugar) to increase profit margins. The best, however, use quality red grapes to create dry, soft and elegant wines that are often paler in colour, with complex red fruit, faded rose, and spicy and earthy nuances that linger. Here are some classics.

Château d’Aquéria 2013 Tavel Rosé
$21.95 | Rhone Valley, France | 89 points

This rich, dry rosé from the snoozy village of Tavel is among the most famous and expensive in the world. Based on grenache, with other grapes blended for complexity, it has a classic floral, plum and cherry nose. It’s hefty but well balanced, with earthy and peppery flavours. ­Vintages 319368

Château Val Joanis 2013 Tradition Syrah Rosé
$15.95 | Côtes de Luberon, France | 88 points

Provence’s pale and nuanced rosés are becoming a template for serious producers worldwide. This bright syrah-based example shows subtle currant, pepper, apricot pit and floral notes. It’s delicate and vaguely sweet, with a spicy, peppery finish. Pair it with seafood. ­Vintages 707281

Francis Coppola 2013 Sofia Rosé
$19.95 | Monterey County, California | 88 points

Yes, we are paying more for the Hollywood cachet and stylish packaging, but this rosé—fresh, mellow and balanced, with sour cherry jam and pomegranate fruitiness—is very good. Not as sweet as typical sugary Californian white zinfandels. ­Vintages 284943

Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition 2013 Rosé
$15.95 | Costières de Nîmes, France | 89 points

This is a mid-weight, bright and fairly hefty young rosé with a classic nose of red plum, cherry, fennel and some oniony character—very typical of rosés from the south of France. It’s medium-weight, quite smooth, rich and dry. Don’t over-chill or you’ll lose the flavour. Vintages 950576

Château des Charmes 2013 Cuvée D’Andrée
$14.95| Niagara-on-the-Lake | 89 points

Niagara’s rosés are all over the map in terms of style and quality, but Paul Bosc’s effort is consistently one of the best. Made largely from pinot noir, it shows aromas of sour cherry, watermelon, white pepper and lavender. It’s very much in tune with the south of France/Tavel style. ­Vintages 333260

Stoneleigh 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé
$16.95 | Marlborough, New Zealand | 87 points

Pinot noir is the most widely grown red grape in New Zealand, so no surprise that it’s the base of this lively rosé. Its deep salmon colour comes from 36 hours of skin contact (most have 12 or less). It could be drier, but the red currant, cherry and strawberry flavours are super-fresh. LCBO 122275