Salut: A case for the rosés of summer

Anthony Gismondi shares some of his favourite local and international rosés just in time for Canada Day

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It wasn’t all that long ago that rosés were an obscure part of the wine business, a summer drink drunk mostly in southern Europe but much has changed over the past decade in Canada.

Rosé has become so fashionable it might be easier to list the wineries that don’t sell one versus the many thousands who do.

Dry or sweet, pale or dark red, the style doesn’t seem to matter. I’ve tasted close to 100 different rosés this spring and wanted to share some of my favourite local and international selections that are widely available just in time for you to enjoy over the Canada Day long weekend.

Bartier Bros. Rosé 2020, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada $17.99

Off-dry with big aromatics of lime blossoms, rosewater, jasmine followed by juicy lime pith.

Corcelettes Oracle Rosé 2020, Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada $22-25

Dry and svelte Oracle brings Provence to the Similkameen with creamy citrus, wild fruit flavours.

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Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2019, Languedoc, France $24.99

Watermelons and strawberries mix with a citrus/garrigue undercurrent; it looks and tastes like fun.

Le Petit Chat Malin Rosé 2020, Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France $13.99

A fine value Provence-style dry rosé, full of juicy strawberry, raspberry fruit with garrigue spicing.

Mateus Rosé N/V, Douro — Bairrada, Portugal $9.99 and $17.99 1.5L

Summers are hot in Portugal, and this classic pink is designed to cool you down. Serve with sunshine.

Mirabeau en Provence Rosé Classic 2019, Côtes de Provence, Sud de France $25-$27

Delicate, bone dry, and food-friendly, its strawberries and citrus flavours are a pleasure to drink.

Chateau Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé 2019, Côtes de Provence, Sud de France $28.99

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are the owners of this stylish, sleek Provencal pink — ready-to-drink.

Narrative Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada $15.99

A delicious, bone dry, pink with sweet red berry and a fresh citrus-lined finish. Serious value.

Paul Mas Côté Mas Rosé Aurore 2020, Sud de France $14.99 (Litre)

A Grenache/Cinsault/Syrah for sunny patios or summer park/beach parties celebrating Le Luxe Rural.

Wolf Blass Maker’s Project Rosé Free Run 2019, Langhorne Creek, South Australia $18.99

A multi-regional blend offering fresh strawberry and pomegranate in search of a charcuterie plate.

Tantalus Rosé 2020, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada $20.87