On the second Saturday in June, clinking glasses filled with pink-hued wines mark National Rosé Day from Malibu to The Hamptons. This year, the event founded over five years ago by Swedish wine expert Bodvar Hafström, falls on June 13.
Bodvar’s great-great-grandfather started Hafströms of Sweden, one of the largest hand- rolled premium cigar brands. The family also founded the legendary Grönstedts Cognac in 1846. Bodvar continued his family’s legacy by launching the Bodvár House of Rosés collection featuring three versions from sparkling to dry and fruity, which are all available in the U.S.
The popularity of this versatile drink dubbed “summer water” has grown exponentially over the past decade. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore and John Legend have all launched wine labels that celebrate rosé.
Whether you choose to enjoy summer’s favorite drink at a virtual event, or with close family and friends at a barbecue this weekend, the Courier has asked a few local experts for their top picks while rounding-up the latest rosé brands to hit the market.
“Even though in Beverly Hills rosé is a steady, big commodity, we are noticing larger than usual sales with up to a 30 percent increase from historical norms,” said Christian Navarro, president and principal of Wally’s Wine & Spirits. “The reason it could be a big factor, is that people are staying home instead of going to the rosé meccas of St. Tropez, The Hamptons, and Mykonos.”
For this summer, Navarro recommends the 2018 Rumors Rose at $35. “Emanating from the heart of Provence, Rumors is the most exciting new rosé that we have tasted this year,” he told the Courier. “And, the perfect pick for any warm-weather celebration.”
The Marciano Estate, owned by brothers Maurice and Paul Marciano – who are co-owners of and Wally’s Wine and the GUESS retail empire –have just released a lovely pink-hued 2019 rosé produced in Napa Valley for $45 per bottle.
Top fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, has released “Rosa” in a collaboration with Donnafugata Sicilian wines. The pale-pink 2019 vintage combines Sicilian grapes Nerello Masacalese and Nocera. The fruity wine pairs well with charcuterie and crudo, so you’ll want the designer label bottle, $45, in your wine cellar or fridge this season.
Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum recording artist Post Malone has created a new French rosé, Maison No. 9, in partnership with entrepreneur James Morrissey of Global Brand Equities, and Dre London, music manager and Founder of London Entertainment. Made in Provence, the wine is available online and in stores this June with exclusive distribution from E. & J. Gallo Winery. Maison No. 9 will be available in three sizes with a price range from $21.99 to $89.99.
Closer to home, West Hollywood restaurant Fig & Olive has created a grenache, cinsault and syrah blend from a winemaking region near Saint-Tropez. The versatile, beautiful pink wine compliments everything from savory appetizers to sushi and desserts, and you can pick it up at their onsite shop for $68.
World-renowned Italian winery Santa Margherita, who made pinot grigio a staple in the U.S., has just released a bubbly Sparkling Rosé. It combines the best of Northwest Italy, with chardonnay from the Alto Adige region, glera (used in prosecco) and malbec from the Veneto region for richness and pale pink color. This wine pairs well with everything from seafood paella to East Asian curry dishes and retails for $29.99 or a mini 375ml bottle for $17.99.
Another top pick from Jordane Andrieu, owner of Héritage Fine Wines on Canon Drive, is the certified organic La Bernarde, Cotes de Provence Rosé Les Hauts du Luc, 2019 at just under $20. “La Bernarde is a historic property in the village of Luc in the Côtes de Provence that has been restored by the owners of Commanderie de Peyrassol, utilizing the same winemaking team,” said Andrieu. “The limestone hillside produces what many consider to be the noblest rosé in Provence.”
