I’m under the impression that rosé is starting to get a bad rap again but for a different reason. While once thought of as a disregarded, extremely fruity, cherry hued zinfandel now associates with the lightest possible wines on earth, tasting like flavored water or quite literally “Summer Water” (not to be associated with the brand “Summer Water” but in a general sense). For better or for worse, Frozé looks to be one of the most instagrammable drinks of summer which adds even more water to the already super light watery tasting rosés – does Frozé even taste like anything? It’s a serious question to think about.  I’ve had too many bland rosés that are super acidic with no hint of terroir hoping to make an impression. While I don’t shy away from these styles (stereotypical Provence styles) when I’m on vacation basking in the hot summer sun and want to shut my brain off (and hydrate?), I do have those moments (more often than not) when I need a bit more sophistication, body and texture in my rosé colored glass. I crave a rosé that shows significant pride of its heritage and viticulture. And low and behold, those rosés do exist and in my mind are what authentic rosés should represent.

 From the gorgeous pink cocktail table book “Drink Pink: A Celebration of Rosé” by the triple threat Victoria James “For me, no other wine embodies the joie de vivre like rosé. There is nothing daunting about pink wine. It does not force you to recall complicated French classifications put in place during the 1800s or rules governing vineyard management.” (more awesomeness on her here!)

So here’s to keeping rosé simple and bringing it back to a happy medium. Below are some Rad Rosés for Summer for those who want a little something more.