European rosés display style’s savory, subtle side

Did you happen to notice how all of the wines I recommended last week were American? Was that intentional on my part? No … but let’s pretend it was because this week’s wines all hail from the other side of the Atlantic.

I won’t go so far as to say that I always prefer European rosés to their American counterparts, but I do appreciate how they often skew a bit more savory and subtle than what frequently comes out of California. Here are a few of my favorites that I hope become yours.

Lunaria Pettirosce Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosé, $18

Italian rosés are, admittedly, not typically what I reach for first, but that’s a habit I’m trying to break. If you find yourself in the same boat, start with this one. Made entirely from the Montepulciano grape, this is the perfect springtime companion. Look for notes of cherry and raspberry, along with a faint hint of almond on the finish.

Domaine de Fontsainte Gris de Gris Rosé, $21

I’m almost afraid to think about how many bottles I’ve drunk of this over the past eight years. Delicate raspberries, freshly-picked strawberries, tropical citrus fruits — they’re all here and then some. In my retail days, this was the bottle I would use to convert customers to rosé. If you’ve never had a classic French rosé, let this be your first.

Chateau d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé, $23

In all of France, there’s only one village where the rosés are so storied that it’s the only thing winemakers are permitted to produce: the small Rhone Valley town of Tavel. Identified by their neon magenta color, these wines are rich and powerful and as versatile at the dinner table as any lighter-bodied red wine.

Daniele Conterno Langhe Rosato, $25

The Conterno family is one of Italy’s most storied wine families, and it seems like every member was born with a god-like ability to produce incredible wines. This rosé is no different. Made from nebbiolo, it’s full of cherry and strawberry aromas with a bright, floral backbone that reminds me of the spring fields full of wildflowers.

Charles Joguet Chinon Rosé, $30

Cabernet franc makes some of my favorite red wines, so it only makes sense that it would also produce some of my favorite rosés. Grown in France’s Loire River Valley, this is the ultimate summer thirst quencher. Look for notes of watermelon and cotton candy alongside cabernet franc’s signature subtle spiciness and a full, round body. If you’ve been drinking rosé for a while and are ready to see what the premium price point is all about, you can’t go wrong here.

Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rosé, $55

Bandol is something of the end-all and be-all of French rosé, and bottles from the village’s most famous producers can easily carry $80+ price tags. This allows you to see what all the hype is about for a smaller price. This wine is full of the classic Bandol elegance and refinement that I personally love. Sipping this while researching five-star hotels that I can’t afford along the French Riviera is a favorite pastime.