The Hotter Than Heck Edition!

It’s cool to drink rose all summer long and yes, even into fall. But you’ll be doing your patriotic duty to sample these easy-breezy sips for celebrating July 4.

Adega Vinho Estate Rose of Mourvèdre 2021, “Bilger Family Vineyards,” Texas. The Lone Star State has come into its own producing roses, many of which make terrific late-summer-into-fall partners. This is one of them: a deeper, spicier style of rose. Barrel fermented fives it some depth (get out a steak for this one). Only 150 cases produced; order direct from winery.

Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese, 2021, Columbia Valley, Washington. A darker-hued rose that was a hit at our tasting panel, garnet colored, very dry, white flowers and fresh strawberry on the nose. Tart tinge lends interest.

Buckel Family Wine 2021, Colorado. A tropical expression of rose from Colorado’s far western wine region. Guava and strawberry are joined by cranberry and the overall expression is savory and earthy with a touch of rhubarb. Grapes sourced from Washington State.

Diora “La Belle Fete” rose of Pinot Noir 2021, Monterey. Not a typical fruity rose with a saline-inflected mineral-driven profile; savory and herbal but fresh and serviceable.

Dove Hunt Dog 2020, Rose of Pinot Noir, California. Fun canine hunt-themed label in this red-fruit-driven slightly off-dry rose. Medium bodied, so bring it to the BBQ.

Dutcher Crossing “Winemaker’s Cellar” rose 2021, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma. Made from small-batch, grower-sourced grapes, very light copper color and a nose that reminded me of making late-summer strawberry jam. Fresh but not a lightweight, so save this for wet- or dry-rubbed ribs or hamburger sliders.

Gran Moraine Rose of Pinot Noir 2021, Yamhill-Carlton (Oregon). Fresh raspberries and strawberries and joined with lots of jumping pink grapefruit pith in this tart, fresh and lively wine. Pretty and pleasant and a bit earthy and savory, so you’ll want to pair it up.

Frances Ford Coppola “Diamond Collection” rose of Pinot Noir 2020, Geyserville (Napa). Light- coral pink, a bit one-dimensional but good entry point for young, of-age drinkers or for a pool party for all ages.

Hampton Water. Created and branded by rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his son as a lifestyle wine for the Hamptons summer set. A collaborated with French winemaker and biodynamic champion Gerard Bertrand, it’s a fresh splash for the pool.

Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Rose 2020, California. A very serviceable and enjoyable quaff from a mega producer. Tart strawberry and a tinge of raspberry. Clean, direct and well made – doesn’t try to be anything it’s not and I appreciate that.

La Crema Rose of Pinot Noir 2021, Monterey. Slightly darker hued than a Provencal style, this has a bit of an off-dry profile, like cotton candy, but also hems in blood orange, watermelon and finishes like a tangy fruit bowl. Good with Asian food or maybe a Korean BBQ to offset the off-dry profile.

Lang & Reed rose of Cabernet France 2021, Napa Valley. Only 25 cases made of this garden-earthy-driven wine. Very savory with thyme and rhubarb leading the way, ending in ripe, full-on strawberry. Medium bodied, this will work well with grilled shrimp, heavier summer fare but also with ripe sweet-tomato salad with feta and dolmas.

Maddalena Estate Reserve Rose 2021, Paso Robles. A Graciano-driven (52%) blend that also includes Syrah, Primitivo, Grenache and Tempranillo, sweet raspberry and strawberry fruit is a little neutral and needs a little boost from a charcuterie plate.

Malene Rose 2021 Central Coast. A shimmery-copper-glittery wine with raspberry and watermelon. A bit on the neutral side, so just drink, don’t think. Nothin’ wrong with that.

Noble Wines 525 Rose 2021, Central Coast. Clean and light, fresh strawberries, good value at $12. Screw cap bottle, so take it with the Hibachi to the beach.

Ram’s Gate Rose of Pinot Noir (2021), Sonoma. A more savory Provencal imposter—light sea-shell pink in color and a nice fruity mix of summer-berry freshness: popping with cherries and raspberries and strawberry coming into the midpalate. A bit of a weightier feel to the palate means you can have this with sturdier summer fare—BBQ, roasted meats and vegetables.

Seghesio Family Vineyards Rosato 2021 “Home Ranch Vineyards,” Alexander Valley (Sonoma). Made from 50% Aliganico and 50% Barbera, this is a peach-driven rose with a touch of wild strawberry and lots of pink grapefruit coursing through it. Both zest and savory, so pair this with food from the grill, preferably the roasted-veggie course (you do have that, don’t you?)

Seven Hills Winery rose of Cabernet Franc 2021, Columbia Valley. Herbal and green bell pepper notes are the defining notes on this wine. Clean and fresh with acidity, but with its earthy/savory undertone, you’ll want this with food. Delicious with roasted corn on the cob and grilled sausage.

Sofia [Coppola] California carbonated brut rose. Comes in a cute 187ml can, this is a fun fizz on the go with a fresh strawberry burst. Bring it to the blow-up pool, the galvanized millennial feed trough or pack it up and go! The 2018 vintage in the bottle boasts a pretty table-side label and a nice dry, strawberry-driven expression.