Every now and again we like to corner our Portfolio Manger, Wil Bailey, and ask him to list his favorite wines in a given category. Rosé in August is a particular favorite to inquire about, for late in the summer he’s been able to taste the evolution of the rosé wines and compare them to when he first picked them out.

Take it away, Wil!

I was talking to a friend yesterday about a report we heard on the radio confirming that not only does it “feel” to most of us like this is the best summer weather we can remember but that the empirical data back it up – THIS IS the best summer ever!

I told him I didn’t actually need to hear the weather data confirmed. I already knew it was the best summer yet simply because of the amount of Rose we have been going through at our house. We simply can’t keep up.

Having dinner – there goes a bottle of Rose, having friends over – there go a couple more, heading out to someone else’s house – bring a bottle of Rose, heading out to the boat or the cabin – there go a couple more. Honestly, it’s been kinda crazy in an entirely enjoyable kind of way.

So, in the spirit of the BEST SUMMER EVER I thought I might point out a few of my favorite wines of this season.

Sierra Cantabria, Rioja Rose, 2014

SierraCantabriaRose2014

This is the first time we’ve bought this wine, and boy are we happy we did. It’s a bit of an anomaly in the Rose world as it’s a blend of red and white grapes (most Rose’s are red grapes held on the skins for only a few hours to pick up a little color before pressing). This wine is 50% Viura (white grape), 30% Garnacha (Grenache to the English speaking world), and 20% Tempranillo which is the king of red grapes in Spain and the core of almost all Red Riojas. As you might expect with the 50% white wine base this wine is a very fresh style, with an appealingly perky acidity matched by a smooth red fruit quality. It’s a surprisingly complex Rose, and one of my happiest surprises of the season.

Looking for Sierra Cantabria Rosé? See the list at the end of the post!

Guigal, Cotes du Rhone Rose, 2014

GuigalCDRRose2014

Guigal is one of my favorite producers in the world, but honestly I’m not usually that wild about their Rose. LOVE the Cotes du Rhone Rouge, and the quality only goes up from there, but the Rose often leaves me a little flat. Then along came this 2014 vintage. This is a LOT of wine for the money. It’s got tons of character, depth and stuffing, but don’t be confused that this is a heavy wine. It’s a fresh and tasty Rose through and through, perfect for whatever you are doing with your grill and/on your porch. It’s just that it also holds your attention for a while as you are enjoying each tasty sip. Apparently we are not the only ones who have noticed how good this vintage is, as the Wine Advocate recently gave it a 90pt rating which is all but unheard of for a wine which is “simply pink”.

Looking for Guigal Rosé? See the list at the end of the post!

Hofer, Zweigelt Rose, 2014

HoferZweigeltRose2014

Cards on the table, this is my hands down favorite Rose of the year! Speaking of not being able to keep up… This is also one of my favorite wineries in the world just because the Hofer family is just so unbelievably genuine, kind, and welcoming. Did I mention they also farm their grapes organically? Lots of good karma here! This wine is so juicy, and bright, and fresh, and full of strawberry goodness I find myself opening and sharing bottles every chance I have (this is why I can’t keep up). At their best like the Hofer I think Rose’s should be joyous and joyful expressions of the summer season, free of clutter and confusion, something you can bask in a little bit almost like the sunshine itself. I’m sure this reads as a little over the top and ridiculous, but you should try a bottle. Hofer – take me away…

Looking for Hofer Zweigelt Rosé? See the list below!

WHERE TO FIND THESE GEMS
Locations are listed alphabetically by city. Of course call ahead to confirm availability (this is rosé after all .. here today, gone tomorrow!)

Sierra Cantabria Rose

Hy-vee - Austin
Austin
507-437-7625

New Scenic Cafe
Duluth
218-525-6274

High Spirits Liquor
Mankato
507-625-5347

Rincon 38
Minneapolis
612-824-4052

Victoria's Restaurant
Rochester
507-280-6232

Solo Vino
Saint Paul
651-602-9515

Samples - Taylor Stein
Saint Paul


Rite Liquor Store
Saint Paul
651-414-0346

Colbeck, Cathy
Saint Paul


Wayzata Wines & Spirits
Wayzata
952-473-7191

*****

Guigal Rose

Liquor Barn
Long Lake
952-473-1817

Lakeside Wine & Spirits
Long Lake
952-475-2936

Tangletown's Wise Acre Eatery
Minneapolis
612-354-2577

France 44
Minneapolis
612-925-3252

North Loop Wine & Spirits
Minneapolis
612-338-5393

Capital Grille
Minneapolis
612-692-9000

Cafe Lurcat
Minneapolis
612-486-5500

Lowry Hill Liquors
Minneapolis
612-871-2500

The Wine Shop
Minnetonka
952-988-9463

Hy-vee - New Hope
New Hope
763-531-7460

Hy-vee - Oakdale
Oakdale
651-417-3160

Hy-vee - Rochester
Rochester
507-285-0848

St Anthony Village # 1
Saint Anthony
612-782-3451

St Anthony Village # 2
Saint Anthony
612-782-3452

Liquor Boy
Saint Louis Park
952-512-2200

Thomas Liquor
Saint Paul
651-699-1860

Wayzata Wines & Spirits
Wayzata
952-473-7191

*****

Hofer Zweigelt Rose

North Loop Wine and Spirits
Minneapolis
(612) 338-5393

South Lyndale Liquors
Minneapolis
(612) 827-5811

Lyn 65
Richfield

Solo Vino
Saint Paul
(651) 602-9515

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