RIP ‘Rosé All Day’—It’s Time to Get Serious About Pink Wine

Fresh, fruity, crisp and dry, Provence rosé is the shining star of the pink-hued wines. And while it still reigns supreme, we’ve entered an era where there are thrilling, world-class rosés to sip from around the globe, from breezy Long Island to the slopes of Abruzzo.  

While the Instagram-driven “rosé all day” craze of the 2010s has petered out (where has all the frosé gone?), serious bottlings from intentional producers around the world prove that the ever-evolving wine category is here to stay, gimmicks be damned. 

From the Hamptons to the South of France, these are the top-rated rosés you should have on your radar, courtesy of our Tasting Department.  

Provence

Provence is considered the birthplace of rosé, and in many ways the southern French region still sets the standard with its elegant, bright and mineral-tinged wines. Made from an array of grapes including Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and sometimes Mourvèdre, Provençal rosés encompass a broad range of styles thanks to varying soils, microclimates, maritime influence and winemaking traditions. But Cody Wexler, Wine Enthusiast’s tasting manager who reviews wines from Provence, notes that “it’s the attention to detail in their winemaking to create a consistent profile across all their appellations.” 

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Château d’Esclans 2022 Garrus Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

Pale rose gold in color the wine is robust with aromas of vanilla, ripe peach blossom, melon and wet stones. The palate is similarly decadent with vanilla leading the charge, it has complimentary flavors of butterscotch, brûléed peach and grapefruit. With soaring acidity and a super long peppery finish this wine will age well, drink 2025-2028. Cellar Selection. 95 points — Cody Wexler $135 Wine.com

Château Sainte Roseline 2023 Cuvée la Chapelle de Sainte Roseline Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

A stunning entry from Château Sainte Rosaline named for the Chapel located on the estate premises. Pale rose gold in color the wine burst from the glass with floral almost hoppy notes accompanied by Provence staples like peach, orange blossom and wet stones. The palate is incredibly bright, featuring flavors of ripe pear and grapefruit, finishing with a complex minerality that gives the wine depth. Great structure and acidity lead me to believe that while the wine is great now it will be even better in 2025. Editors’ Choice. 95 points — C.W. $33 Empire State of Wine

Château Minuty 2023 281 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

This pale rose wine is subtle on the nose led by classic white peach with hints of wet soil, fresh grass and white flowers. Each sip boasts amazing texture and fills the mouth with flavors of peach, grapefruit, and tart cherries. This wine is great now and will likely get better given some time in the bottle, drink through 2027. Cellar Selection. 94 points — C.W. $80 Wine.com

Rhône

Rosés from the Rhône Valley run the gamut from intensely pink and concentrated in flavor to delicate and fruity. In 1936, Tavel became the first Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for Rhône rosé, and it remains the only one.

Expect juicy bottles bursting with watermelon flavor from sunny, seaside Costières de Nîmes, as well as zestier wines with sour cherry and raspberry flavors from the steep vines in high-altitude in Ventoux or Luberon. Rosé labeled “Côtes du Rhône” can be sourced from anywhere in the greater Rhône Valley region. 

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Château de Campuget 2021 1753 Syrah-Vermentino Rosé (Costières de Nîmes)

A fragrant blend of Syrah and Vermentino, this wine shows a pale golden peach in hue and exudes summer in a glass. It presents a joyful dance on the palate, with ripe peach and apricot balanced by white stone and ocean breeze. Subtle underpinnings of spice, minerality and white florals, along with a supple texture, complete the experience. Enjoyable on its own, but best paired with lively conversation. 92 points — Anna-Christina Cabrales

$26 Liquor Express

Alain Jaume 2023 Le Crétacé Rosé (Tavel)

Vibrant notes of freshly cut white peach, cantaloupe, green pear and violets tantalize the senses. On the palate, abundant acidity and minerality create a lively sensation, revealing layers of Bosc pear, tangerine skin, grapefruit pith and a stony finish. Persistent acidity ensures a feeling of freshness and length, making it a delightful choice. 91 points — A.C. $36 Spirits and Spice

Château La Nerthe 2023 Les Cassagnes Rosé (Côtes du Rhône)

This delightful wine charms with confectionary aromas of white strawberry, raspberry, plum and candied ginger. Light on the palate, it promises to be a summer crowd-pleaser, echoing its inviting nose with every sip. 92 points — A.C.

$16 Station Plaza Wine

Château de Sannes 2023 Aciana Rosé (Luberon)

Pale rose in hue, this rosé unveils aromas of sugar plum, Pink Lady apple and Bosc pear, exuding freshness and elegance. The palate is high-toned, with all the fruits making a vibrant entrance, followed by a stony midpalate and lingering stony finish. 92 points — A.C.

$15 Almavin

Languedoc

Languedoc is the world’s largest wine-growing region and France’s leading producer of rosé, accounting for 34% of France’s rosé and 11% of the world’s production (as of 2019). The region is also the birthplace of what’s considered the world’s first sparkling wine, the pale rosé Cremant de Limoux.

“The Languedoc is large, with many subsites and appellations that vary in terms of soil composition, varietal preference and ocean proximity,” says Lauren Buzzeo for Wine Enthusiast. “Yet, a few overarching conditions allow for ideal rosé production, like a generally dry and warm Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and strong, moderating winds from maritime or mountain influence.”

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Lorgeril 2023 Ô de Rosé Rosé (Languedoc)

Rosé was made to be enjoyed, so simply enjoy. This wine opens with a floral nose of orange blossom and honeysuckle followed by destemmed fresh red cherries and dried tangerine peel. The palate echoes the nose with additional hints of hibiscus emerging on the finish. Best Buy. 90 points — Reggie Solomon

$16 Market View Liquor

Faire la Fête NV Brut Rosé Sparkling (Crémant de Limoux)

We all need a sparkling wine we can open and enjoy without guilt whether by ourselves or with friends. This is that bottle. The wine has an aromatic nose of golden apple, bosc pear, red cherry and white blossom. Tart green fruit makes itself known on the palate and is supported by lemon citrus peel. Refreshing and bright, this bubbly pairs with relaxed evenings, seafood and anything sauteed or fried. 90 points — R.S.

$28 Wine.com

Gérard Bertrand 2022 Hampton Water Rosé (Languedoc)

You can serve this rosé before a meal, during a meal and after a meal; it’s versatile. Red cherry skin, strawberry and pomegranate aromas are its calling card. A fusion of flavors on the nose continues in lockstep on the palate. 90 points — R.S.

$19 Total Wine

California

West Coast rosés are on the up and up, and California has loads of bottles to get excited about. “The beauty of rosé in California is the sheer number of styles that can be produced, since every red grape from Pinot Noir to Tannat is planted here,” says Tom R. Capo, a Wine Enthusiast writer at large who reviews wines from Sonoma County and other American regions. “From pale, rose-gold expressions to deeply colored, red meat-friendly versions made from heartier varieties, there’s a rosé to pair with every palate and every dish.”

At the moment, Capo is particularly enjoying the “pale, acid-driven version” made from Grenache and Pinot. “These are just perfect as the weather turns warmer,” he says.

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Martha Stoumen NV Post filtration. Rosé (Mendocino)

This wine is salmon hued with aromas of mandarin orange, dried apricot, saffron, orange pekoe black tea, and orange blossom water on the nose. The flavors on the palate are guava, White peach, quince, raspberry-blood orange compote, grilled orange peel, and a long supple finish. Pair with fresh blue fin tuna sashimi. 95 points — Tonya Pitts

$29 Martha Stoumen

T. Berkley Wines 2023 Rosé (North Coast)

This wine is rose hued, fresh, vibrant, with aromas of raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, and mint on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Red currant, pomegranate, Bing cherry, cream soda, clove, orange zest, and a supple juicy finish. Pair with friends and a boat in the middle of the ocean. 94 points — T.P.

$25 T. Berkley Wines

Outward 2023 Two Wolves Vineyard Rosé of Grenache (Santa Ynez Valley)

A subtle shade of pink in the glass, this lovely Grenache-based rosé offers aromas of melon, tangerine and a light earthiness on the nose. The palate is extremely firm in a texture that enlivens the mouth, offering a chalky frame to the quaffable citrus flavors. 93 points — Matt Kettmann

$28 Harvest Wine Shop

Washington and Oregon

Michael Alberty, a Wine Enthusiast writer at large who reviews wines from Washington and Oregon, has been pleasantly surprised by the recent rise of exceptional rosés in the Pacific Northwest. “I used to think that rosés were for pairing with flip-flops and pool water—they were invariably inexpensive and meant to drink sooner rather than later,” says Alberty. “But in the past few years, I’ve discovered more and more Oregon and Washington pink wines that are made with intention and deserve attention. They aren’t necessarily inexpensive wines, but they can age for a bit and are worth every penny.”

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Cayuse 2022 Edith Grenache Rosé (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Aged for 10 months in concrete and stainless steel, Edith opens with sweet and tangy aromas of strawberries, tangerines and a touch of spicy Ligurian olive oil. The fruit-driven palate is a ripe mix of Meyer lemons, strawberries, saline and tangelos. This is my favorite Edith since Jean Stapleton. 93 points — Michael Alberty

$60 City Wine Merchant

Sealionne 2023 Phoque Rosé (Chehalem Mountains)

Phoque is a 95% Chardonnay-5% Pinot Noir blend aged in amphora. Aromas of challah bread fresh out of the oven and red cherries are joined by flavors of ripe raspberries and an earthy note of button mushrooms. The wine’s brilliant acidity will make you yell, “Phoque yeah.” 92 points — M.A.

$35 Sealionne Wines

Mendivia 2023 Oso Rosado Rock Steady Vineyard Tempranillo Rosé (Columbia Gorge)

I’m normally not a huge fan of rosés made with Tempranillo, but I really like the Oso Rosado. It’s probably because its acidity is as peppy as the bass beat on The Police’s “Canary in a Coalmine.” Aromas of Fuji apples and grated carrots lead to a crisp texture and tangy cara cara orange and tart red cherry flavors. This wine will send shivers down your neck on a hot day. Editors’ Choice.  92 points — M.A.

$23 Mendivia Wines

Dazzle Cellars 2023 Julia’s Dazzle Pinot Gris Rosé (Columbia Valley (WA))

Julia does indeed dazzle with up front aromas of strawberries and nectarines. In the background, look for additional aromas of a fir needles and angel food cake. Ripe cantaloupe and honey-coated almond flavors are counterpointed by a tangy nectarine note. The wine’s acidity is gentle its mouthfeel creamy. Best Buy. 92 points — M.A.

$21 Esquin

Italy

While the country doesn’t have a famous rosé-producing area like Provence, there are plenty of delightful rosés (or rosati) made across Italy, from the vibrant, pale Chiarettos of Venice to the fruity Bombino Nero of Puglia. The country’s diverse vini rosati are made from a wide array of indigenous and international grapes. 

Danielle Callegari, a Wine Enthusiast writer at large who reviews wines from Italy, is currently crushing on rich and fruity Cerasuolo, which is made with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo in Abruzzo and with Nero d’Avola and Frappato in Sicily. “I love this traditional, cherry-colored fruit punch of a wine that’s made in Abruzzo with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and in Sicily with Nero d’Avola and Frappato,” she says. “It’s actually made as a light-bodied red wine, but is everything you want from a rosé: refreshing and vibrant enough to be an aperitif, a riot of fruit and salt and acid to carry you through poolside snacks or lunch on the beach, enough structure to wash down whatever you throw on the grill for dinner.” 

In other words, “It’s the ultimate weapon—a best-of-all-worlds wine.”

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Ciavolich 2022 Fosso Cancelli Montepulciano (Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo)

The nose is fresh and floral, with aromas of rose petals, strawberries and wild cherries, but also has a weightier, grounding earthiness. On the palate, tarter cherries and a touch of watermelon provide a piercing quality, while a stony salinity balances a gently spicy finish. 93 points — Danielle Callegari

$40 305 Wines

Cavalchina 2023 Rosé (Bardolino)

As refreshing as the light pink color suggests, this bone-dry rosato is summer in a bottle. Aromas of crushed strawberries, tart cherries and rose petals lift from the glass. Crips and vibrant on the palate, the wine is light an electric pulse with its energetic acidy and tart citrus notes that meld well with the crunch red berries on the mouthwatering finish. Best Buy. 92 points — Jeff Porter

$18 PJ Wine

Tormaresca 2023 Calafuria Rosé (Salento)

The nose is all summery indulgence with watermelon and cherry blossom, cut with the freshness of pink grapefruit and salt. The palate leans into that citrusy salinity, while acid bursts overhead like a fireworks spectacular, to create a fizzy, undeniably delightful wine. Best Buy. 91 points — D.C.

$20 Wine.com

New York

Long Island is largely to thank for America’s recent love affair with rosé, and one winery in particular deserves a lot of the credit.

“Wölffer’s ‘Summer in a Bottle’ rosés are one of Long Island’s—and American wine’s—greatest modern commercial success stories,” says Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Christina Pickard, who reviews wines from New York and credits Wölffer with kickstarting the rosé craze in the States. “While the winery continues to lead the pink pack, plenty of other Long Island producers make top notch rosé. I have a particular soft spot for those with bubbles.”

All the way on the other side of New York state, Finger Lakes rosé is another great American success story. “In the Finger Lakes, Cab Franc and Blaufränkisch make great rosé when the style is intentional and not an afterthought or as something to do with questionably ripe, second tier grapes,” says Pickard. “The style can easily veer quite confected, but my palate prefers the dry, delicate style, like that from Trestle Thirty One.”

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Trestle Thirty One 2023 Rosé of Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)

With a vibrant pink hue and an aroma profile of strawberries and spring flowers still in the ground, it’s hard not to like this Finger Lakes bottling. There’s crisp acidity and gentle textural weight to the palate. It’s a harmonious bottling and a hugely versatile food pairing wine for spring and summer fare. Editors’ Choice. 92 points — Christina Pickard

$33 Saratoga Wine

Suhru 2023 Rosé (North Fork of Long Island)

A blend of half a dozen Long Island-grown grape varieties, this ballerina slipper-hued bottling offers up appealing stone fruit and candied watermelon aromas. It’s dry and nicely textural, with harmony, length and food friendliness. One of New York State’s best examples of this summery style. Best Buy. 92 points— C.P.

$19 Wine Chateau

Anthony Road 2023 Cabernet Franc (Seneca Lake)

Ballerina pink and made more in the Provence style than the Spanish one (see this estate’s Lemberger rosé for that version), this offers up a perfume of candied peach, watermelon, florals and a hint of dried herbs. It’s fresh, slippery and mostly dry with tangy, easy-sipping summer vibes. Best Buy. 90 points — C.P.

$17 Union Square Wines

Sparkling Pointe 2021 Topaz Impèrial Sparkling (North Fork of Long Island)

What do you get when you combine strawberry, yeasty red apple and salty seashell characters with prickly fizz, a creamy texture and crisp acidity? A rosé bubbles that is positively screaming to be drunk seaside with sand between your toes. Bottoms up. 90 points — C.P.

$40 67 Wine

More Rosé Coverage

• Sommeliers gave us their tips for pairing steak with rosé—an underappreciated duo. 
• Some winemakers are betting big on high-end rosé. Is it actually worth the money? 
• The industry moves on from “rosé all day” as top rosé producers double down on serious bottlings.
• We put together a six-bottle rosé master class. You’re welcome.

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