The Wine Knows

Rosés are on the rise in sales, according to Wines & Vines, and now is the perfect time to stock on up pink summer wines.

In the past few of years, I have really come to enjoy dry rosés from the Pacific Northwest. A chilled bottle of rosé is absolutely perfect with a weekend lunch or dinner on the deck or patio, and rosés tend to pair very well with fresh summer fare.

Our tastings of rosés show that Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc tend to provide some of the freshest and brightest flavors in Washington, while Pinot Noir and Gamay work very well in Oregon. We've also tasted delicious rosés from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and a variety of other grapes.

Here are some top rosé producers in the Northwest:

Washington
-- Barnard Griffin Sangiovese Rosé
-- St. Laurent Syrah Rosé
-- Reininger Helix Sangiovese Rosé
-- Mount Baker Vineyards Rosatto Rosé (a blend)
-- Maryhill Winery Sangiovese Rosé
-- Waterbrook Winery Sangiovese Rosé
-- Ash Hollow Rosé (Cabernet Franc)
-- Skylight Cellars Rosé (Sangiovese and Cab Franc)
-- Amavi Cellars Cab Franc Rosé

Oregon
-- Van Duzer Rosé (Pinot Noir)
-- Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé
-- Winter's Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé
-- Viento Wines Sangiovese Rosé

British Columbia
-- Joie Wines Rosé (a blend)
-- Jackson-Triggs Blanc de Noir (a blend, I think)
-- Le Vieux Pin Pinot Noir Rosé

Undoubtedly, I've overlooked some. If you have a Northwest favorite, add it in the comments.