10 Rosés From 5 Countries To Close Out Summer With

Once an afterthought in wines to drink during hot weather, rosés during the past decade have become super popular and are being made in just about every region worldwide from just about every red grape. As we approach Labor Day — our unofficial entry into autumn — we celebrate one last flight of international rosés, mostly from France.

Penya Côtes Catalanes Rosé 2015 ($10). The flavors of ripe strawberries outshine the slightly flabby structure; the wine is a little sweet.          

Matua Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2015 ($12). A little soft, but good ripe strawberry flavors with some cream poured over them.

Nortico Minho Dry Rosé 2015 ($14). From northern Portugal, a blend of all local varieties that is definitely a food wine with its crisp, tart fruit flavors.

Château de la Mulonnière Rosé d'Anjou 2015 ($16) From one of France's classic pink regions, this typical Anjou is full and fruity.

Ferraton Samorëns Côtes du Rhone Rosé 2015 ($14). Very fresh and enjoyable with tart fruitiness and crisp finishing acidity.

Lafage Miraflors Côtes de Roussillon Rosé 2015 ($16). A well-structured, fresh, and refreshing pink with flavors of tart strawberries.

Frescobaldi Ammiraglia Alìe Toscana Rosé 2014 ($17). More a food wine than a sipping wine, it has full, tart fruit flavors and good balance           

Kir-Yianni Akakies Sparkling Rosé Sec 2014 ($18). A Greek wine produced from xinomarra grapes, it is satisfying and well-structured with flavors of light cherries and cream.

Maison Marcel Vins de Pays des Méditerranée Rosé 2015 ($19). An unusual grenache-merlot-black muscat blend, this pink is fragrant, fruity, and slightly sweet — a confection with strawberry and fresh cheese flavors.

Let's end with a Champagne...

Moët & Chandon "Grand Vintage" Rosé 2008 ($89.99). Surprisingly, still tight in the finish (decant a Champagne?), this bubbly is very rich with flavors of dried strawberries — quite enjoyable but could be a few bubbles longer on the palate.