It’s the time of year that starts when the cherry blossoms burst alive and last until the fiery fall foliage takes hold. This is the time of year that crashing waves of the beach beg for your attention and everyone from family to coworkers have backyard cookouts. The scorching heat of the summer requires one pink drink to quench your inevitable thirst: rosé. Rosé by the glass, bottle — and to some, by the gallon. All are perfectly acceptable this time of year.
For any city dweller, park days and picnics are essential to escape the blistering summer heat. Biking in the park followed picnics of deli sandwiches, seafood spreads, and copious bottles of rosé are what make park days. Lekker Rosé, a blend of Merlot and Grenache from Western Cape, South Africa, exudes notes of watermelon and pink lemonade. This gulpable rosé should be paired with good conversations and turning summer days into summer nights.
Secret Identity Rosé, as the name suggests, is a secret blend of grapes hailing from Lodi, CA. This dry rosé comes alive on your palate with mixed-berry juiciness, salinity, pink grapefruit, and cherry blossoms. Quaffable down to its very essence, this is a must-have for those scorching July days at a friend’s pool or a relaxing day on a beach with the quiet waves creating the ambiance. Bring two or three bottles. Count on your friends asking for refills.
A rosé from Provence is essential for any summer day that includes fish and oysters. These wines are specifically made to mirror the foods of Provence. Clos Cibonne Tibouren from Cotes de Provence is that exemplary rosé pairing for freshly shucked oysters and grilled salmon. Clos Cibonne, an estate located just 800 meters from the Mediterranean, specifically works with a native grape named Tibouren. Bursting with salinity, orange pith, ripe strawberries, and Provençal herbs, this pinkish, burnt orange-colored wine is a no-brainer for the dignified affair.
A Fourth of July backyard barbecue is the apex of summer holidays. Burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, pig roasts, potato salad, cole slaw, and other American staples can be found on picnic tables adorned with red, white, and blue. Railsback Frères Mourvèdre and Grenache rosé blend from Santa Ynez Valley in southern California is that perfect piece of Americana that pays homage to French rosés. With notes of ripe strawberries, cherries, plums, and even a splash of gummy bear goodness, this wine can put out that fiery smoke on your tongue. This wine should be served by the gallon.
Whatever your summer plans are, a rosé is the obvious and favorable drink of choice. From the casual beach day, cookout or swanky pool party, rosé is the embodiment of endless summer days full of friends, sun, and fun. Get it while it’s hot.
