Five Temecula Valley Rosé Wines to Elevate Your Summer Sipping
While we in Temecula Valley subscribe to the philosophy that rosé season is something enjoy year-round, there’s nothing that seems to punctuate the summer months better than a juicy glass of a gorgeously pink-hued wine. Fortunately, in addition to crisp, citrusy whites, stunning sparklers, and rich, textured reds, Temecula Valley is home to some pretty spectacular rosés that show off the region’s terroir and offer a refreshing respite from the Southern California heat.
Cherished for their vibrant colors, ranging from ballet slipper pink to translucent magenta gem tones, delicate aromas, and lively personalities, Temecula Valley rosés embody the essence of summer in a bottle. In this round-up, we invite you to sip through a selection of our favorites. From crisp and bone-dry to fruit-forward with just a touch of sweetness, these Temecula Valley rosé wines cater to every palate, promising to elevate your summer soirées, poolside gatherings, and al fresco dining experiences, whether at home or at your favorite local winery.
Robert Renzoni 2022 Lyric Rose, $30
With its baby pink hue and enticing aromas of fresh strawberries, ripe watermelon, and citrus blossom, this dry rosé is made from Syrah, a grape that shines in Temecula Valley’s Mediterranean climate. Medium-bodied and elegantly structured, Lyric Rose strikes that perfect balance between fruitiness and restraint, finishing smoothly with a delightful trace of summer fruit. Serve this with grilled seafood, light salads, charcuterie, or the drool-worthy R & R Pizza from Robert Renzoni’s on-site restaurant, Mama Rosa’s Trattoria.
South Coast Winery 2022 Rose of Grenache, $26.99
Made from 100% Grenache, you will fall in love with this wine not just because of its gorgeous color – a beautiful ballet slipper pink – but also for its mouth-watering flavors of crushed berry and lime zest. It’s bright and energetic on the palate, full of citrus, minerality, and zesty acidity. It’s juicy and fruit-forward but finishes dry, making it an elegant dinner wine or perfect poolside sipper.
Peltzer Winery 2021 Rose of Syrah, $40
If it’s not the adorable image of a sheep on the bottle that lures you in, it will be the delectable juice inside that will woo you. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of dried rosebuds, ripe raspberry, and watermelon. The palate is dry, light, and refreshing, with mouth-watering acidity and a lingering finish. The ultimate summer cookout wine, pair this with watermelon and feta skewers topped with fresh mint and balsamic drizzle or a plate of grilled chili-lime shrimp.
Akash Winery, 2021 Parlez-Vous Rosé, $39
We absolutely speak rosé out here, and we are fully picking up what this pretty in pink bottling is putting down. “As hip and fresh as your wise-cracking aunt Frances,” this rosé delivers a ton of personality in an elegant, easy-drinking style. A crunch of fresh cranberry adds texture, while ripe, woodland strawberries and bright citrus complete the picture. Big enough for strong flavors like blue cheese or a plate of steaming paella but also crushable enough to stand on its own by the pool, this Temecula Valley rosé should be your summer staple.
Baily Winery 2022 Grandol Rosé, $35
A nod to the unique osé wines of the tiny appellation of Bandol in the Provence region of France, Baily’s 2022 Grandol Rosé is made primarily from the Mourvedre grape (70% Mourvedre 30% Grenache). This award-winning wine is full-bodied and complex, with notes of ripe berry fruit, forest floor, floral notes, and candied citrus. It’s fresh and juicy with just a touch of sweetness to round out the bright acidity, making it the perfect food wine. Pair this with grilled meats, blackened fish tacos, or a platter of slow-cooked ribs for the ultimate summer pairing.
