Coming in every color between red strap and virgin pink, there’s a rosé to please every palate. Unlike in other classical wine regions, Pacific Northwest winemakers are unbound by grape variety and winemaking technique. A wider color palette reflects the broader range of rosés made in this part of the world — here are 10 from the 2017 vintage to consider sipping tomorrow for National Rosé Day.
Illahe Estate
» WILLAMETTE VALLEY » $17 » TEMPRANILLO » 12% ABV
Whole-cluster pressed and aged in neutral oak results in a soft, gentle texture. Lush citrus and red fruit aromas.
» POZZA VINEYARD, SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY » $40 CAD/1.5L » CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ » 11.8% ABV
In magnum bottles only, dry and easy-drinking, classic Cab Franc herbal tones release under juicy cranberry and spritzy acid.
Del Rio Vineyard Estate
» ROGUE VALLEY » $17 » GRENACHE » 12.5% ABV
Don’t let the ethereal color deceive you; this is fully loaded with tangy citrus and rich tropical fruit.
EFESTĒ
» OLDFIELD ESTATE, YAKIMA VALLEY » $22 » MOURVÈDRE, GRENACHE » 13% ABV
Apricots, lime zest, tonic, salt. Sip in place of a margarita with tacos al pastor.
The Underground Wine Project And Why Am I Mr. Pink
» COLUMBIA VALLEY » $12 » SANGIOVESE, SYRAH » 12.7% ABV
Smacks of peach Jolly Rancher. Pair with melon, mozzarella and pancetta skewers.
Abacela
» UMPQUA VALLEY » $18 » GRENACHE » 13.2% ABV
Well-balanced sour, tart, bitter. Underripe strawberries and honeysuckle finish. Mucho gusto con jamón.
Gramercy Cellars
» COLUMBIA VALLEY » $25 » CINSAULT, GRENACHE, SYRAH » 13.5% ABV
Mandarin orange, stone fruit, green apple. Malty. Savory as sin.
Avennia L’Egerie
» COLUMBIA VALLEY » $28 » GRENACHE, MOURVÈDRE » 14.1% ABV
Savory. Leathery. Cowboy wine. Just a touch of fizz. Blindfolded, it could go either way, appealing equally to red or white-only fans.
Tranche Cellars Pink Pape
» BLACKROCK VINEYARD, YAKIMA VALLEY » $20 » GRENACHE, COUNOISE, CINSAULT » 13% ABV
A Washington shout-out to Châteaunuef-du-Pape via an estate vineyard. Pink grapefruit, fleshy peach and river rock. Purity and precision.
Culmina Family Estate Winery R&D
» GOLDEN MILE BENCH » $20 CAD » MALBEC, MERLOT, CABERNET SAUVIGNON » 12% ABV
Aromas of cotton candy, freshly sliced rhubarb, juicy apple and citrus rind through licks of acid.
