Food & Drink /Drink

Rosé rebirth leads the way as new generation of winemakers rediscover a classic

Crisp, refreshing and light, rosès are coming back in a big way.

By: Ammar Karam

Crisp, refreshing and light, rosès are coming back in a big way as a whole new generation of winemakers is exploring unique biodynamic winemaking practices and injecting fresh flavours and funky colours into the category. Made everywhere around the world from Australia to the U.S.A. — even Georgia! — now is the time to grab a cool bottle and take it to your next BBQ! There’s so many to choose from, so we rounded up six of the best here in Canada and a couple from France, of course.

Malivoire Ladybug Rosè

A VQA-certified Ontario winemaker that focuses on sustainability makes a fresh red fruit, nicely bodied — with a cassis edge — rosè. A tale as old as time. Cab Franc, Gamay, vegan and with 5.5 g/L of sugar, this is a nice dryish rosè for those summer charcuterie boards.

Available here in Ontario
Available here in Alberta
Available here in B.C

Long Weekend Wine Co. Rosè

This blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp summer refresher from Fielding Estate. On the low side for residual sugar at 4 g/L, it still has a fruity character and a clean finish. Pair with fish, turkey and drier, older cheeses.

Available here in Ontario
Available here in Alberta
Available here in B.C

Tragically Hip Flamenco Rosè

Alright, we didn’t want to start any Trouble in the Henhouse by including this wine, but this Fully Completely is a must-have rosè, named, of course, after the Canadian music legends. The blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir is zippy, dry and full of cherry and strawberry, which makes it the perfect wine to pair with Bobcaygeon and a barbeque.

Available here in Ontario
Available here in Alberta
Available here in B.C

Poplar Grove Rosè

From one of the most picturesque wineries in the Okanagan Valley (check out the restaurant too!), this Malbec and Merlot rosè is a drier offering in the lineup. Blood orange, nectarines and cantaloupe pull the fruit notes forward, but the 1 g/L residual sugar keeps it firmly dry.

Available here and here

Studio Rosè by Miraval

Deep from the heart of Provence (the modern home of rosè) comes Studio Rosè. The private valley with Mediterranean weather in which the vineyards lie contribute a great terroir to this Cinsault and Grenache rosè. Pale pink grapefruit, white flowers and a hint of sea breeze make this wine fun to toss back with friends.

Available here in Ontario
Available here in Alberta
Available here in B.C

Saint Sidoine Rosè

The Provence region singlehandedly accounts for about 10 per cent of global rosé wine production — they get rosé. This pale Syrah beauty is crisp, perfumey and quite soft while the Grenache gives it a good backbone. Perfect for an early evening supper.

Available here in Alberta
Available here in B.C
Available here in Ontario