Picnic | Rain of rosés

The rise in popularity of rosé in recent years has increased the choice of products. Here are tips and suggestions for finding a wine that suits you.

The best are not always the most expensive

It’s not just the sale of rosés that has increased, but the price of bottles too. So much so that more than half of the rosés offered in Quebec cost more than $20. However, after an exhaustive tasting, several bottles for less than $15 are worth the detour. This is the case of this Languedoc rosé produced by the Laurent Miquel house. The family estate cultivates more than 200 hectares in the south of France, including the vines of Château Cazal Viel in Saint-Chinian. This rosé is a blend of Cinsault and Syrah. The aromas of raspberry and scrubland fill the glass. The palate is juicy, fruity and the aromas are persistent. All this for less than $15!

Cazal Viel Vieilles Vignes, (10510354), $13.50

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More color, more taste

Launched in the 1980s by winegrower Régine Sumeire, pale rosé from Provence is now copied by all wine-growing regions, even in Quebec. However, by reducing the color, rosés lose texture and aromas, argued oenologist Olivier Nasles during his mandate as vice-president of Provence wines. This rosé from Austria clearly demonstrates that with more color, rosé is more flavorful. The Michlits family brings together two typical grape varieties, Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch. The bouquet of cherry, violet and lilac is inviting. With its fruity taste, serve it at the table with grilled meats.

Meinklang 2023, (14974797), $20.45

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Rosé of the year

Provence is the largest producer of rosé wines in the world. Among the bottles produced, less than 1% are intended to be cellared. To avoid disappointment, choose the rosés on sale this year, i.e. those from the 2023 harvest. This is the case with this rosé from Domaine Bargemone. Established north of Aix-en-Provence, the vineyard produces a rosé that stands out with its notes of peach, almond and flowers. The creamy texture on the palate gives way to fruit aromas. The blend composed mainly of Syrah provides a certain structure. It is complemented by Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon (increasingly rare in Provence) as well as lesser known varieties such as Caladoc and Counoise. One word: delicious!

Bargemone Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence 2023, (15157836), $20.30

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No longer shy away from wines bottled in Quebec

To reduce carbon emissions linked to wine transport, winegrowers, importers and even the SAQ are once again interested in wines bottled in Quebec. Some are available at the SAQ and others can be found in grocery stores. Are we still right to shun these vintages? The answer is no. This rosé produced for Stefano Faita proves it. The chef has mandated an experienced team to find the best grapes at the best price. Their choice fell on the south of Italy where this organic rosé made from nero d’Avola is produced. Everything is then shipped to Quebec and bottled here. The result is convincing with scents of melon and peach. On the palate, the attack is juicy and lingers with a subtle bitterness which allows for a host of pairings at the table.

Rosé, Stefano Faita, $16.29, available in grocery and convenience stores

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Small, medium, large thirst

Pive gris is the best-known (and most appreciated) rosé among Quebecers. He changed labels, but he’s still good. This new design underlines the transition to controlled designation of origin of the Camargue sand terroir. The gray and black Grenache, Merlot and Syrah vines grow a few kilometers from the sea in a unique environment. This is reflected in the bottle with the nuances of citrus, sea salt and flowers. Its advantage: it is available in a can, a 750 ml bottle as well as a wine bottle. The latter allows you to enjoy it all summer long at a good price, because the three-liter format costs $13.50 per bottle. Another winemaker offers his rosé in 375 ml and 1.5 L formats. This is the Cote des Roses vintage by Gérard Bertrand (13845791), whose 2023 is also delicious.

Le Pive Gris Sable de Camargue, (11372766), $17.50

Consult the SAQ sheet