Rosé Wines That Speak Spanish

Rosé wines from Spain and South America can talk the talk.

In the home stretch of the summer rosé-drinking season, I present those made from Spanish-speaking countries. Varying in styles, grapes and heritage (but consistently falling below the $20 price tag, making them terrific bargains), these wines demonstrate how rosés come in many colored glasses.

SOUTH AMERICA

With winemaking heritages from France and Italy, rosés from Argentina and Chile speak more than one language.

Coen Rosé of Malbec 2020, Uco Valley. Tuscan winemaker Atillio Pagli is behind this carefully produced with, with attention to eco-practices (handpicked organic grapes). Cranberry colored, with dried flowers and herbs, some fruit sweetness and watermelon. Not deeply concentrated despite the color, but youthful and fresh.

Familia Schroeder “Saurus” Rosé of Pinot Noir, 2019, Patagonia, Argentina. From an arid region near Neuquén, Argentina’s fly fishing capital. That warmer climate delivered a medium-bodied creamier style of wine, moderated by medium acid. Redolent of roses, hints of orange-raspberry creamsicle. 13%

Lafite Los Vascos Rosé 2019, Colchagua Valley, Chile. Bright with tropical tones of grapefruit pith and guava, this is a fun garden party wine. The blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Mourvèdre reflects the family’s French heritage.

Luigi Bosco “La Linda” Rosé de Malbec 2019, Luyan de Cayo, Mendoza. Medium-light pink, with pungent earthy aromas and a little floral. Cranberry, tart strawberry give this good dimension, accompanied by mouthwatering acid.

Luigi Bosco “A Rosé is a Rosé is a Rosé” 2019, Luyan de Cayo, Mendoza. Dry, fresh, red berries, a little earthy and spicy ginger, dusty and white florals. Made of an unusual combination of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Pinot Gris that works in this enjoyable wine.

Michel Torino “Coleccion” Rosé 2019, Cafayate, Argentina. Made by a French-Italian family, who describe themselves as “pioneers of an oasis in the middle of the desert.” This dry style shows dried herbs and strawberries and other red fruits, made of Malbec from high-elevation vineyards.

Piattelli Rosé of Malbec 2020, Mendoza, Intense aromatic nose that blew off to express herbal, anise notes. Tart cherry palate and grapefruit pith. Made from 70 to 100-year-old Malbec and Pinot Noir vines (86% and 14% respectively)

Santa Julia Brut Rosé (NV), Argentina. Produced by the venerable Zuccardi family. Dry, strawberries and cherries, fresh and tart fun bubbly to start the day (yes to day drinking!) or the dinner hour.

Susana Balbo “Signature” Rosé 2020, Argentina. Made of a blend of 60% Malbec, 40% Pinot Noir from a pioneering producers. Light, peachy tropical fruits. Reminded me of a peach-inflected Sauvignon Blanc (my tasting panel agreed, strangely enough).

SPAIN

Navarra, the region long undisputed as the Spanish king of rosadas, is being challenged for the throne by its countrymen, with Rioja is leading the way.

Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (CVNE) “Cune” Rosado 2020, Rioja DOC. Made of 100% Tempranillo from a heritage producer, this bright cranberry-colored wine carries that through on the palate, with the addition of watermelon. It’s not a juicy wine, but tart and tense, At 14.5%, this calls for some food.

Conde Valdemar Rosé 2020, Rioja DOC. Red-berry fruits drive this pale pink blend of 75% Garnacha and 25% Mazuelo with some blood-orange notes. Fresh now or drink into fall.

Enate Rosado 2020, Somontano DOC. Somontano is a small wine region in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains and specializes in wines made with international grapes. This one is made of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the producers call it a “wine with the soul of a white and the body of a red.” Pretty, deep cranberry red. Savory nose, but on the palate, cherry all the way with a little menthol.

Ontanon “Clarete” 2020, Rioja DOC. Made from 75% Viura and 25% Tempranillo. Clarete is an officially classified style of Rosado not often found outside Rioja, and sometimes blended with Garnacha. This one is flush with strawberry and orchard fruit, some tangerine and herbal lift to it.

Ramon Bilbao Rosado 2020, Rioja DOC. Super-light seashell-pink, this crisp Garnacha-driven wine shows savory and herbal notes. A bit of creamy mouthfeel with dried strawberry and currants keeping it bright. Postmark label indicates proper temperature to drink.

Vina Real Rosado 2019, Rioja DOC. This is a good Provence imposter with its light pink hue and very dry palate. Tinges of exotic tropical fruit, guava and unripe pineapple. Terrific aperitif wine.