After 2020 we need to accentuate the positive, and one way is to look at the world through Rosé wine glasses, particularly, the glasses filled with 5 must-try Washington Rosé in 2021. Why?
First, wouldn’t it be great to look at the world, not through Zoom computer screen, gargles, and masks? Second, Rosé can unite the Red and White wine lovers because it’s kind of both at the same time. Lastly, it’s not like they will let us into Provence any time soon.
So why not grab a bottle of Washington Rosé and share it with your friends? Why Washington?
Why not? If you into Rosé, or not, you probably tried French, Californian versions of it. Why not try something different and diverse?
5 Must-Try Washington Rosé in 2021
All five Rosé wines we tasted on our trip to Walla Walla Valley of Washington in April of 2021 are dry and made from different grape varietals.
2019 Canvasback Syrah Rosé
Syrah Rosé is hardly an original idea, yet Canvasback Syrah Rosé 2019 is unique because of its fruit. The winery gets Syrah grapes grown explicitly for the Rosé from Resurgent Vineyard. The vineyard is located at 1,450 feet, which is too cool for Syrah to fully ripen for red wine, yet just right for Syrah-based Rosé.
The wine has the aromas of red apples, persimmons, and quince. If you let it warm up in a glass, some delicate honeysuckle comes through as well. On the palate, it’s driven by crisp red apple and cranberries with a touch of tannin.
2019 Browne Tempranillo Rosé
Browne Tempranillo Rosé 2019 is made from the varietal native to Spain that performs well in Eastern Washington known for its hot and dry summers. It often shows what we would expect in Tempranillo from Spain – some manifestation of cherry on the nose and palate.
Browne Rosé started with aromas of morello cherry, golden plum, and apricot skin. It tasted like crisp Mirabelle plum and peach with a dried apricot aftertaste.
2020 Walla Walla Vintners Sangiovese Rosé
Toscana’s darling Sangiovese is a challenging grape to grow outside of Italy, yet many enthusiastic American winemakers try to challenge the golden standard – Chianti and Brunello (both are Sangiovese-based red wines) – with mixed results.
Meanwhile, we found Walla Walla Vintners Sangiovese Rosé 2019 to be a delicious interpretation of it.
Despite being red grape, we sensed the grapefruit first, followed by apple and peach. Surprisingly, WWV Rosé had a creamy sensation on the palate, yet it had good acidity with pink grapefruit and underripe peach flavors.
2020 Seven Hills Columbia Valley Rosé
Seven Hills Columbia Valley Rosé 2020 was a blend of 70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Petit Verdot, and Malbec that often found in red Bordeaux wines. The fruit for this wine came from several vineyards of Columbia Valley AVA, including some from Walla Walla Valley.
Its Bordeaux roots came through with roasted green bell pepper aroma and flavors and were complemented by strawberry, lemon, and orange blossom. There was a good balance between savory and crisp fruit flavors.
We were lucky to taste Seven Hills Rosé on the release date and before it became available for sale on the Seven Hills website. And that’s good news because Rosé sells out fast, and you still may have a chance to taste it for yourself.
2020 L’Ecole Grenache Rosé
The last Rosé on our trip was L’Ecole Grenache Rosé 2020, made from 100% Grenache grown in Alder Ridge Vineyard. This vineyard is located on the southern edge of the Horse Heaven Hills area of Columbia Valley AVA. Why does it matter? Horse Heaven Hills established a reputation of producing high-quality grapes resulting in characterful wines.
Strawberry defines L’Ecole Rosé. It has a pale strawberry color, and strawberry leads the way on the palate and nose. The red apple is close behind. The nectarine adds a pleasant bitter note that helps to balance the wine’s fruity nature.
L’Ecole Rosé reminded us of the most famous region in the world for its Rosé wines – Provence of France.
It’s a newly released wine, and we anticipate it won’t last long because Rosé season is upon us.
Our Favorite Washington Rosé
In essence, these 5 Must-Try Washington Rosé wines are shining examples of what Wine Swinging is all about. You don’t have to commit to one wine. You can enjoy each one for its uniqueness. Who wouldn’t like some variety in life?
We would love to hear from you in the comments if we sparked your interest in trying one of these Rosés. We also would like to read your thoughts if you tasted any of them already.
We buy our own wine, and we were not paid to write this review by any wineries.
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