Best rosé wine: must try bottles in 2025

10 Recommended rosé wines to savor

In the table above you’ll find the best rated rosé wines for this year selected based on expert scores and consumer ratings.

What is a rosé wine and how is it made?

When people think of rosé wine they often assume it’s just a mix of red and white wine but that’s far from the truth! The signature pink color comes from brief contact between grape skins and juice during fermentation. While red wines are fermented with skins for days or weeks, pink wines only undergo a few hours of maceration, giving them a lighter color and fresher profile.

There are several methods used to make rosé wine each influencing flavor and structure:

• Saignée method (“Bleeding”): juice is drawn off early from red wine and fermented separately resulting in fuller bodied rosés.
• Direct pressing: red grapes are gently pressed to create a pale, delicate wine.
• Short maceration: grape skins remain briefly in contact with juice to extract just the right color and aroma.

Maceration time has the greatest influence as it directly affects both the color and the body structure of the wine, both elements defining excellence in rose wine.

Common rosé wine grapes include:

Keep in mind that different grapes and production techniques result in very distinct rosé styles!

Types of rosé wine by body, sweetness and production style

The different types of rosé wine are influenced by factors like grape variety, winemaking techniques, and maceration time. Some are light and crisp, while others are richer and more full-bodied. Rosé wine types can be categorized by:

• Body: is the weight or texture of the wine on the palate.
• Sweetness: is the residual sugar in wine which ranges from dry rose wine to lightly sweet styles.
• Production style: methods like saignée or direct press shape aroma and flavor.

Understanding these differences helps understand the wine type and choose a good rosé wine to suit taste and occasion.

Rosé wine by body: light, medium and full styles

With so many textures and weights, understanding a rosé wine by body is helpful when choosing a bottle. The body of a rosé refers to how light or full it feels in your mouth, shaped by grape variety, alcohol content and production method:

• Light bodied rosé: they’re pale in color with crisp and refreshing acidity, like Provençal rosés.
• Medium bodied rosé: they offer balance between freshness and depth, with a rounder mouthfeel and pronounced flavors.
• Full bodied rosé: they have bolder flavors and creamier texture and are usually derived from methods like saignée or those undergoing 24+ hours of maceration.

In the table below we have listed examples of pink rose wine by body type.

Body Type	Top Producers	Grape Varieties	Structure & Flavor
Light bodied	Château d’Esclans, Manon, Zeni, Scribe Winery	Grenache, Cinsault, Pinot Noir, Rolle (Vermentino)	Crisp, dry, pale pink with notes of citrus, strawberry and herbs.
Medium bodied	Henri Bourgeois, Cambria, Bouchaine	Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Sangiovese	Balanced acidity, with flavors of raspberry, cherry and lemon.
Full bodied	Billecart-Salmon, Piper-Heidsieck, Ruinart	Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir	Rich, structured with flavors of red berries, almond and brioche.

Light bodied rosé wines

Light bodied rosé wines are crisp and refreshing with bright acidity and a delicate mouthfeel. Their pale color and notes of red berries, citrus and florals make them a great choice for seafood, salads or light appetizers. These wines are ideal for warm weather or as a versatile aperitif.

Medium bodied rosé wine

Medium bodied rose wine strikes the perfect balance between freshness and structure. With a fuller texture, they often feature flavors like ripe berries, pomegranate and mild spices. Medium bodied roses are very versatile and pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables, chicken and Mediterranean dishes.

Full bodied rosé wines 

Full bodied rosé wines are rich and intense, often made from more robust grape varieties like Syrah or Cabernet. These wines typically feature deep fruit flavors, a round mouthfeel and a longer finish. The complexity of full bodied rose wines makes them an excellent match for bold summer dishes like grilled meats or spicy cuisines.

Rosé sparkling wine: a bubbly delight for celebrations

Rosé sparkling wine is a top choice for celebrations due to its vibrant bubbles and refreshing flavor. Here are our 3 best sparkling wine rosé recommendations:

1. Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rose Magnum – France – Notes of ripe red berries and wild cherries with a crisp clean finish.
2. Schramsberg Brut Rosé by Schramsberg Vineyards  – Vibrant notes of raspberry, rose petal and toasted brioche.
3. Shaffenberger Brut Rose – California – Blends dry, floral notes with cherry and citrus flavors

Serving tips: serve at 45–50°F. Use a flute or tulip glass to enhance aroma and maintain effervescence.

Rosé wine: discovering pink wines by sweetness

Rosé wines span a broad range of flavors with styles that present refreshingly dry and richly sweet options, with many nuanced expressions in between. Here’s how rose (aka pink wine) is typically classified:

• Dry rose: bright, crisp and refreshing, with little to no residual sugar.
• Semi dry rose : perfect balance between freshness and a touch of sweetness.
• Off dry rose: noticeably sweeter than the semi-dry style, retains enough acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Sweet rose: juicy and ripe, bursts with red fruit notes and pronounced sweetness.

The chart below highlights top rated pink wines across the above categories, including a few sweet pink wine options for those who enjoy a richer and more indulgent finish.

Sweetness	Best Rosé Wine Brand	Common Varietals
Dry	Murrieta’s Well Dry Rose 2023	Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese
Semi Dry	Contessa Annalisa Collection – Silver Sky Semi Dry Sparkling Rose	Garganega, Grenache
Off Dry	Silver Sky Semi Dry – Sparkling rosé by Contessa Annalisa Collection	Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel
Sweet	Rose Spumante Dolce – Cantine Cavicchioli	Zinfandel, Muscat, Moscato

Non alcoholic rosé wine

Non alcoholic rosé wine is gaining momentum thanks to winemakers improving their methods allowing these wines retain the fresh, fruity and floral aromas of the alcoholic version of rose wines but without the alcohol content.

Here are three great options:

• Giesen 0% rosé – by Giesen
  Food pairing suggestions: grilled shrimp or fish tacos.
• Opia Organic rosé – by Opia
  Food pairing suggestions: Thai dishes, fresh fruit, and soft cheese.
• Rosé Alcohol-Removed – by Missing Thorn
  Food pairing suggestions: roasted chicken or turkey, pizza

Rosé & bites: delicious food to pair with rosé wine

While rosé wine is often associated with appetizers it’s actually incredibly versatile! With lighter tannins than reds and lower acidity than whites, the best food to pair with rosé wine ranges from crisp salads to grilled meats.

Our rosé versatile wine pairing review below highlights just how well this style complements a wide range of dishes.

Food	Rosé Wine	Grape Variety	Type & Structure
Grilled Shrimp, Niçoise Salad, Goat Cheese	Up rosé 2023 – Ultimate Provence	Grenache, Cinsault, Pinot Noir, Syrah	Dry, medium bodied, fruity
Caprese Salad, Margherita Pizza, Prosciutto	Visione Rosato 2021 – Feudi di San Gregorio	Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Aglianico	Dry, medium bodied, fruity
Roasted Chicken, Roasted Vegetables	Corse Figari rosé 2021 – Clos Canarelli	Nielluccio, Syrah, Grenache	Dry, medium bodied, fresh with a touch of minerality
Sushi, Grilles Salmon, Light Fish Pasta Dishes	Santa Margherita rosé 2021 – Santa Margherita	Grenache, Pinot Grigio	Light bodied, crisp, refreshing
Aged Cheese, Lamb Meat	Bandol rosé 2018 – Domaine Tempier	Cabernet Sauvignon	Full bodied, structured
Light Starters, Grilled White Fish	Rodon Bardolino chiaretto 2024 – Le Fraghe	Syrah, Grenache	Medium bodied, fresh, fruity
Fresh Berries, Brie, Spicy Food	Pink Moscato 2012 – Barefoot rosé Wine	Zinfandel	Fruity, medium bodied
Sausage, Peppers, Grilled Pork Chops	Secret de Leoube Rosé 2023 – Chateau Leoube	Zinfandel	Medium bodied, crisp, refreshing

USA’s pink wave: California rosé wine and other wine regions

The rose wine market is booming in the US, now ranking second in global consumption. This growing love for pink wine is fueled by some of the world’s most innovative winemakers, particularly along the West Coast in California.

California rosé wine reflects the region’s creative spirit and diversity. While states like Washington and Oregon also produce quality rosé, California has led a new wave of modern styles that rival their European counterparts.

What makes California rosés stand out?

• Innovative winemaking: from cold fermentation to minimal intervention, winemakers are pushing traditional production boundaries to enhance freshness and aromatics.
• Wide grape selection: beyond Zinfandel, grapes like Grenache, Pinot Noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah are commonly used to craft elegant and expressive rosés.
• Diverse terroirs: regions like Sonoma, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara offer unique microclimates for balanced and vibrant wines.

The table below highlights some standout California rosé wine recommendations, along with selections from other U.S. regions.

Region /Grapes	US Rosé Wine Brands	Characteristics
Napa Valley, CA – Pinot Noir	Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017 – Mira Winery	Light medium bodied, semi dry, medium acidity
Sonoma County, CA – Sangiovese	Dry Sangiovese rosé 2021- Ferrari-Carano	Medium bodied, moderate acidity and dry
Paso Robles, CA – Grenache	Julia rosé 2023 – Hearst Ranch	Light bodied, crisp
Santa Rita Hills, CA – Pinot Noir	Rosé of Pinot Noir 2018 – The Paring rosé	Light bodied, dry, soft acidity
Willamette Valley, OR – Pinot Noir	Whole Cluster rosé of Pinot Noir 2023 – Willamette Valley Vineyards	Light bodied, dry and bright
Columbia Valley, WA – Syrah	Portlandia 2022 Columbia Valley rosé – Portlandia Winery	Light bodied, bright acidity, dry

Premium rosé wine: a journey through Italy

These wines are crafted from Italy’s beloved varietals like Sangiovese and Negroamaro, each bottle reflecting the heritage of its vineyards. In the south, rosato often delivers ripe fruit and sun kissed vibrancy while northern styles tend toward elegance and layered complexity.

Our experts have selected top quality rosé wine recommendations for you to try in 2025.

Region /Grapes	Premium Rosé Wine Brands	Wine Style
Veneto Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Le Fraghe, Giovanna Tantini, Vigneti Villabella	Pale pink, delicate floral notes, crisp acidity, light bodied
Lombardy Groppello, Sangiovese, Barbera	Pasini San Giovanni, Selva Capuzza, Le Sincette	Floral aromas, red berry flavors, medium acidity, elegant structure
Abruzzo  Montepulciano	Valentini, Emidio Pepe, Tiberio, Cataldi Madonna	Deep cherry color, rich red fruit flavors, noticeable tannins, full bodied
Puglia Negroamaro, Bombino Nero, Primitivo	Leone de Castris, Tormaresca, Li Veli, Cantine San Marzano	Bright pink hues, ripe cherry and berry notes, balanced acidity, medium to full bodied
Tuscany Sangiovese	Fattoria La Valentina, Castello di Ama, Il Palagio	Light to medium pink, strawberry and floral notes, refreshing acidity, medium bodied

French rosé wine: a taste of elegance and terroir

French rosé wine embodies a lifestyle of elegance shaped by the country’s diverse terroir. France is home to some of the world’s most iconic and luxurious rosé wines:

• Provence rosé wine is known for its pale pink, citrus notes and wild herbs aromas.
• Tavel offers bolder, more structured rose wine styles.
• The Loire Valley brings bright and fruit forward charm.

Below are some of our favorite French rosés.

Region /Grapes	Top French Rosé	Wine Style
Provence Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah	Château d’Esclans Estate Rose 2022	Pale, dry, light bodied and crisp
Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot	JC Calvet Cremant de Bordeaux Brut Rose	Structured and fresh, balanced acidity
Burgundy Pinot Noir	Petit Bourgeois Rosé de Pinot Noir 2024	Delicate, high acidity, light bodied
Rhône Valley Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre	Roseblood Rosé – Chateaux d’Estoublon	Medium body and dry
Languedoc Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah	French Cancan Brut Nature Rose – Gérard Bertrand	Bold and complex, fuller body

Rosé wine varieties: regions and grapes

Rosé wine varieties are as diverse as the regions they come from. From the pale, mineral driven styles of Provence to the fruit forward expressions of California, each region grows different grapes bringing its character to the glass.

Let’s explore some of the most popular rose wine grapes and the resulting diverse rosé wine types:

• Pinot Noir: light bodied red grape with soft tannins and flavors of red berries, earth and subtle spice.
• Grenache: a juicy and fruity red variety known for ripe berry flavors is often used in blends or pure.
• Syrah: a bold and spicy red grape producing wines with dark fruit, pepper and smoky undertones.
• Sangiovese: a classic Italian grape with bright acidity, cherry notes and a savory, rustic profile.
• Tempranillo: Spain’s signature grape, offering medium to full bodied wines with plum, leather and tobacco hints.
• Zinfandel: a powerful red grape from California known for jammy fruit, spice and high alcohol content.
• Moscato: a sweet and aromatic white grape, producing low alcohol wines with peach, orange blossom and light fizz.

Moscato rosé wine: the elegant dessert wine you’ll fall for

Born in the alpine slopes of northern Italy, Moscato Rosa (also known as Rosénmuskateller) is a true hidden gem, though really difficult to grow. Its low yields and consequent small harvest make each bottle something special.

It’s a wine that invites you to slow down, linger over dessert and savor the moment. In the glass, expect fragrant notes of wild roses, sweet berries and a gentle hint of spice. Try Moscato rosé wine with a slice of fruit tart or go bold and pair it with blue cheese.

Pinot Noir rosé wine: the graceful side of rose

Pinot Noir is a grape mainly grown in cooler climates like Burgundy or Oregon due to the grape’s preference for lower temperatures. Pinot Noir rosé wine whispers notes of strawberry, citrus and rose petals. Its light body and bright acidity make it a star with sushi, fresh salads or grilled shrimp.

Grenache rosé wine: a touch of Mediterranean warmth

Sun drenched and joyful, Grenache rosé wine (aka Garnacha Rosado) brings Provence to your glass. With juicy bursts of cherry, pomegranate and watermelon, it’s summer in a bottle. It pairs excellently with grilled veggies, goat cheese or just warm air and laughter due to its light and crisp finish.

Rose Wine Brand	Flavor	Body & Structure
Gerard Bertrand Rouge Clair 2023 – Grenache (France)	Aromas of summer strawberries, hints of florals	Medium bodied, balanced acidity and mineral finish
A Tribute to Grace Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard Rose of Grenache 2023 (California)	Raspberry, blood orange, floral	Medium bodied, medium to high acidity
Whispering Angel rosé 2023 – Château d’Esclans (France)	Aromas of small berries, red currants and salt	Light, medium bodied, fresh and dry
Rose of Grenache 2024 – Morgan  Winery (Washington)	Notes of watermelon, strawberry leaf and pear	Medium bodied, dry, medium acidity

Syrah rosé wine: full bodied with smoky undertones

For those who love a bit of drama in their glass, Syrah rosé wine delivers. Richer in color and bolder in flavor brings raspberry, cherry and a touch of savory spice. With a medium body and a clean, dry finish it’s perfect for pairing with charcuterie, grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. This is a wine that holds its own, bold enough for red lovers, fresh enough for rosé fans.

Wine & Winemaker	Flavor	Body & Structure
Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône rosé 2023 – Maison Chapoutier	Aromas of apricot, fennel and floral scents	Medium bodied, fresh acidity
Cherub rosé of Syrah 2022 – Montes (Chile) (California)	Bright red berries, floral hints, and subtle spice	Medium bodied, high acidity
Syrah rosé 2015 – Eberle (California)	Ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, and peppery spice	Medium bodied, medium acidity, dry finish
Syrah rosé 2015 – Yves Cuilleron (France)	Fresh raspberry, rosé petal, citrus zest	Light bodied, high acidity

Luxury rosé wines

Rosé wines have long been underestimated compared to reds and whites, often mistakenly seen as simple or inexpensive. But in reality, some luxury rosé wines rival the finest wines in ageability, depth and prestige.

While most rosés are meant to be enjoyed young and don’t have significant aging potential, a select premium options have earned a place in the cellars of serious collectors for different reasons:

• Their rarity: they are produced in limited quantities.
• Their reputation: they are sourced from historic vineyards.
• Their exclusivity: they are only available through exclusive channels or private allocations.

If you’re thinking of building a wine collection, luxury rose wines may surprise you! Take Five Roses by Leone de Castris celebrated as italy’s first bottled rose and a cult favorite among collectors. Or consider the Dolce & Gabbana Rosa 2024 – Donnafugata, a luxurious light and crisp rosé that perfectly captures the essence of a mediterranean summer.

Rosé wine serving temperature

When it comes to rosé wine serving temperature here’s the trick: it should be chilled but not too cold. The ideal range is around 50–55°F. If served too cold the wine’s delicate aromas and flavors can be muted. Too warm and it may taste flat or overly alcoholic.

In addition to serving temperature, three important factors for a great rosé wine are acidity, alcohol level (ABV) and aging potential. Together, these elements contribute to the overall experience, enhancing the wine’s flavor, texture and longevity.

The chart below gives you a clear look at how to serve different rosé wine styles at their best.

Rose Wine Brand	ABV	Tannin / Acidity	Aging Potential	Serving Temp
Minuty Prestige rosé 2023 – Château Minuty	12,5%	Low tannins, low acidity	4 years	46.4-50° F
Whispering Angel rosé 2019 – Château d’Esclans	13%	Low tannins, moderate acidity	3-4 years	46.4-50° F
Nectar Impérial Demi-Sec rosé – Moët & Chandon	12,5%	Moderate tannins, fresh acidity	4 years	42,8° F
Rosé 2011 – La Vieille Ferme	13,5%	Low tannins, crisp acidity	2-4 years	50-54° F
Clos Mireille Côtes de Provence rosé 2023 – Domaines Ott	14%	Low tannins, fresh acidity	3-5 years	46,4-50° F
Miraval rosé 2023 – Château Miraval	13%	Low tannins and acidity	3 years	46,4-50° F
Chavignol Sancerre rosé 2023 – François Cotat	14,6%	Low tannin, medium acidity	3 years	50-53,6° F

How to store your rosé wine bottle in 5 simple tips

Wondering how to store and keep your rosé wine bottle in the best condition? Here are 5 essential tips to preserve its freshness, structure, and aroma:

1. Store it cool: keep rosé at a consistent temperature between 45–65°F. Avoid heat and sudden changes.
2. Keep it dark: UV rays can damage wine and alter its flavors. Store bottles in a dark place.
3. Avoid strong odors: rosé is sensitive to its environment and can absorb nearby smells. Store it away from cleaning products, paints or other strong smelling items.
4. Lay it sideways (if corked): this will ensure the cork stays moist which helps maintain a tight seal and prevents air from entering.
5. Mind the humidity: keep humidity around 60–70%. Too dry and corks may crack; too damp and labels or corks may mold.

How to choose the best rosé wine for beginners

Choosing the best rose wine for beginners starts with understanding what you enjoy. Light and refreshing styles are usually the easiest place to start, then you can look for wines with bright fruit flavors, balanced acidity and an approachable price point. Here are 3 wines we have picked as the best beginner friendly options:

• Provence Rosé (France)
  Body: pale, dry and crisp, with notes of citrus, strawberry, and herbs.
  Best for: seafood, salads or Mediterranean dishes.
• Summer in a Bottle Rosé (USA)
  Body: fresh, fruit forward and aromatic with peach, melon and floral notes.
  Best for: brunch, grilled chicken or a summer picnic.
• Garnacha Rosado (Spain)
  Body: medium bodied, vibrant with red berry flavors and fresh acidity.
  Best for: tapas, roasted veggies or grilled chicken.

These styles offer a great entry point to rosé. Once you’ve tried one or two, here are some tips to help you explore further:

• Pay attention to the alcohol content: rosés with a lower ABV (around 11-12%) tend to be ideal for casual sipping. Higher ABVs (13% or more) will be great for a meal.
• Decide on sweetness: if you prefer dry wines, go for Provence, Tavel or Côtes de Provence. Like it fruitier or more aromatic? Try Moscato Rosé.
• Look at the color: pale rosés tend to be lighter and more delicate, deeper pinks are usually bolder and fruitier.
• Explore global styles: try Italian rosato for bold flavor, Spanish rosado for juicy brightness or even a sparkling rosé from California.
• Go seasonal: crisp, fresh rosés are perfect in warm weather while fuller, more structured ones are great for autumn meals.

With these simple tips and starter bottles, you’ll feel more confident choosing rosé wines that match your taste.

How rosé wine is rated by critics: inside the scoring process

Like red and whites, rosé wines are typically scored on a 100-point scale by major publications such as Wine Spectator and Decanter, often in blind tastings to avoid bias. Critics assess rosé based on a few key attributes:

• Appearance: the evaluation begins with color and clarity, ranging from pale salmon to bright pink.
• Aroma: critics look for fresh fruit notes, floral hints and subtle herbal or mineral undertones.
• Structure: the main elements are balance, mouthfeel, complexity and finish.
• Aging potential: while not all rosés are meant to age, critics evaluate depth and cellaring ability, often awarding higher scores to rosés that show longevity.

Another important factor is how well a rosé shows its origin. Critics look for a strong connection between the wine and the place it comes from (known as terroir) as well as how clearly it reflects the rosé grape variety used. Wines that capture both their terroir and grape character tend to get higher ratings.

Example: a Provence rosé is expected to be light, dry and mineral driven, while a Tavel rosé is usually richer and fruitier.