Rose can be challenging to find. As increasing numbers of people consider it a drink to enjoy on any occasion, excitement increases sales in the summer months. It’s crucial to have beverages that promote seasonal drinks and sell all year round if they are still in progress within Labor Day. However, each establishment must be able to meet customers, which can depend on weather, travel conditions, and other conditions outside of the customer’s control.
For a list of wines that consistently knock it out of the park, check out wine merchants who keep their fingers in the pulse of how customers are looking to sip at home, with their family and friends, and even with dinners.
If SevenFifty Daily asked sellers which roses they believe are likely to be popular, they outlined a wide range of regions and varieties that range from the top-selling Loire Valley Saumur rose to bubbly Tasmanian rose and even the tiny bottle of a small appellation within Bourgogne. Here’s what they recommend. (All bottles are listed with the price by bottle.)
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Domaine des Sanzay Saumur Rosé. Photo courtesy of Ansonia Wines.
Domaine des Sanzay Saumur Rose 2022, Loire Valley, France; $19
It was suggested by Tom Wilcox, owner and founder of Ansonia Wines, Newton, Massachusetts.
Ansonia Wines is a father-and-son French wine retailer specializing in small-scale production vineyards in France. Customers and followers enjoy watching social media as they buy and research rounds throughout Europe. The Wilcox team thinks the Loire Valley rose from Domaine Des Sanzay to be an essential item to stock. “It’s our most popular rose; we’d have a customer revolt if we ever stopped selling it,” says Tom Wilcox. It’s 100 % of Cabernet Franc. The winemaker says it can be described as “pure spring freshness”–dry but full of fruit, great acidity, and low alcohol. It also comes with a stunning label that the winemaker’s son designed.
Left: Gobelsburg Cistercien Rose. Right Kristina Barbee. She is the Vintner and owner at Ad Astra Wine Bar and Market. Photo by Ad Astra Wine Bar and Market.
Gobelsburg Cistercien Rose 2021, Kamptal, Austria; $28
It was suggested by Kristina Barbee, who is the owner of Vintner. Ad Astra Wine Bar and Market, Springfield, Illinois
Kristina Barbee says clients at Ad Astra, located in an old property in downtown Springfield, are enthralled by the distinctive flavor that comes from Gobelsburg Cistercian rose, which is a blend of Zweigelt St. Laurent and Pinot Noir from Austria’s Kamptal region. “It has a straightforward and fresh floral nose with tart fruit, hints of wild cherry, and fresh berries,” says Barbee. “Perfect for spring and summer.” She says the wine is chilled and holds very well straight from the shelves. Barbee picked this wine to accompany Ad Astra’s spring menu due to its “cohesion of the tasting notes and nose of the wine.” The guests at Ad Astra can also enjoy local cheese boards; this wine pairs well with the many spring and summer wines.
Left: Noble Hill Mourvedre Rose. Right: Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet in Norfolk, Virginia. Photos taken by Crystal Palate.
Noble Hill Mourvedre Rose 2021, Simonsberg-Paarl, South Africa; $22
The idea was suggested by Crystal Cam-Schaad, the lead instructor and owner of Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet, Norfolk, Virginia.
Crystal Palate owner Crystal Cameron-Schaad, DipWSET, says Noble Hill Mourvedre Rose is “up to the challenge of pairing” with lighter summer meals and traditional barbecue dishes. She also appreciates the convenience of the Stelvin closure, which is ideal for outdoor gatherings. She believes that this bottle is value-driven and complex, and she enjoys the fact that it is organic and vegan. “Kristopher Tillery, the winemaker and owner of Noble Hill, took inspiration from Bandol and created the first Mourvedre rose in South Africa,” she writes. “I had an opportunity to spend some time at Noble Hill last year and was impressed with the quality of these artisan wines, the history, sustainability efforts, and value proposition of the estate.”
Left: Elk Cove Vineyards Rose of Pinot Noir. Right: Jessica McKeon and Tasha Zonski-Armijo of Jubilation Wine & Spirits. Photo taken by Jubilation Wine Spirits and Beer.
