Wine Guy: 3 top picks for summer Rosé

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It’s not like there needs to be an excuse to celebrate Rosé, thus it’s rather funny that there are several days in the calendar marked to fete pink wine. So don’t fret if you forgot to toast Rosé June 8 for National Rosé Day — which is usually the second Saturday of June — International Rosé Day will be here before you know it on June 28 (the fourth Friday each June). Better yet, forget the specific days and simply embrace that Rosé season has officially arrived.

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Portillo 2022 Rosé Malbec, Argentina

($14.99 on sale until June 29, #137474)

Millenia ago Roman gourmand Apicius opined “We eat first with our eyes,” and this can extend to wine. Indeed we drink first with our eyes as well, and there is no better wine style to appreciate visually than Rosé. The many shades are poetic and romantic, including the blushing sunset-pink hue of Portillo’s Rosé Malbec. Aromas of red berry abound in this soft and inviting pink wine, which stays approachable through its fresh but soft stance and easygoing, balanced finish. The winery suggests pairing with pizza, fish, shellfish, pasta, or salad — and yes, it’s food friendly enough to consider all the above.

Bottom line: B, Patio ready.

Bartier Bros. 2023 Rosé, B.C.

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($19.99, #35609)

It’s always exciting to see a new vintage of Rosé landing on shelves, which is what we’re now seeing from a number of local wineries. This includes Bartier Bros., whose rosé arrives in the lightest shade of pale pink, orangey onion skin. The colour makes sense once the grape composition is checked: Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Kerner, and Viognier (in 56/24/10/8/2 proportion). Skin contact facilitates colour transfer, and actually the pale shade belies the wine’s very expressive aromas and flavours. Bright citrus and floral notes lead to engaging texture and a light, refreshing body. Smooth and dry to finish, it’s another food versatile bottle.

Bottom line: B+, Bring on the spot prawns.

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Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2019 The Pink One, B.C.

($34.99, available through the winery)

Finally, let’s not forget sparkling Rosé. It also has its place on the dinner table or patio, with the added benefit that fun fizziness adds to the alluring pink shades. The Pink One’s light pink with orange highlights — salmon colour if we’re feeling fancy. Okanagan Falls-based Noble Ridge follows the traditional method in crafting this limited release bubbly, which is made from 100 per cent Pinot Noir and has 34 months aging in bottle. The result is expressive aromas of berry, flowers, and lemon curd. A supple but fruity entry leads to secondary notes of brioche and toast, with good weight overall and a robust yet lip-smacking finish.

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Bottom line: A, Elegant pink.

The Swirl: BC Cider Fest

The fifth annual B.C. Cider Festival is set to take place from 1-5 p.m. on June 16 at The Pipe Shop in North Vancouver, 115 Victory Ship Way). Curated by Txotx Imports and Massey Wines, the event will feature ciders from B.C., the Pacific Northwest, and farther afield. Numerous producers and orchardists will be in attendance to discuss their ciders first-hand, and tickets are $59, plus fees, and available at bcciderfest.ca.

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