French Rosé Reigns – My Top 5 Picks

As a self-proclaimed Rosé fan (some may even call me a Rosé  snob), I don’t post a lot about Rosé. The reason is because I struggle with most domestic Rosé, and my preferred French Rosé options are often scarce and difficult to find locally.

Without delving too much into why I dislike domestic Rosé, in general, they are made to satisfy the general public’s palette (sweet and strong rather dry and light). French Rosé, on the other hand, embodies the ‘less is more’ perspective. They are delicate, brightly acidic wines with just  a hint of minerality that is not only refreshing, but elegant as well. This balance makes for an amazingly versatile wine that can be sipped in solitude, or paired with just about anything!

I am still exploring the world of French Rosé, so am hesitant to post any favorites since there is still so much to explore, but there are a few that do come to mind, that I will share here:

Whispering Angel Rose

1) Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé – this is the easiest French Rosé to find in the US today. It is easy to remember, and usually priced between $15-18. Overall, it is a great one to become familiar with, and can be used as a benchmark for which to judge others.

2) Commanderie de la Bargemone Rosè – Amazing value and after discovering this one, I realized that it is as good, and maybe even better than the more popular Whispering Angel. This one can be found under $15, so is a fantastic value as well.

3) Marquis de Goulaine Rose d’Anjou La Roseraie – Easy to identify as a wine from Loire France due to it’s signature fleur-de-lis, embossed on the glass bottle. This one has unmistakable hints of strawberry on the nose.

4) Chateau de Campuget Rosè – This is the best valued French rosè from the list that usually can be found at or under $10, and is fairly easy to find as well. It is a good every day go-to bottle.

5) Chateau Le Cengle Côtes de Provence Rosé – This is was a favorite at a party where I showcased 6 various Rosé’s. Note that I had not yet discovered many of the others on this list yet, but it is another great example of French Rosé.

Final Thought: If the word ‘Rosé’ makes you think of White Zinfandel, or a flat, watered down red, then it’s worth taking French Rosé for a taste test. Southern France wine production is heavily focused on Rosé, and centuries of fine-tuning should not be overlooked. Try it alone, or with food, and see how different it is from their domestic counterparts. It’s one of my favorites!

Please share in the comments below your favorite Rosé – domestic or international.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.