It’s not like there is an official rosé season or anything. Of course pink wine is great sipped year-round. Yet it’s almost like a subconscious instinct kicks in as May comes around, triggering this urge to bring out bottles of rosé as the evening sun — not to mention amazing blush-coloured sunsets — lingers long on the horizon.
Plus, there’s the happy occurrence that most wineries start releasing their new vintage pinks right about now as well. ($21.99, No.
880054) We’ll start up north, about as far north as wine grapes are grown in B.C. The Thompson Valley to get more specific, and Kamloops’s Monte Creek Winery.
Due to severe cold snaps and a significant wildfire season, the 2023 vintage was extremely challenging for most B.C. wineries.
Fortunately, the Thompson Valley was spared the severity of the former, and Monte Creek worked diligently to ensure smoke taint from the latter didn’t hamper their new rosé. Made from 100 per cent Marquette — a cold-hardy, hybrid grape — this deep peachy pink wine is both robust and aromatic, with red berry aromas leading to a juicy and vibrant overall stance. Bottom line: B, bring on the spicy food.
(around $6 for 341 millilitres, available at select private liquor stores) While not a rosé in wine form, this refreshing premade cocktail certainly pours a fetching deep pink hue. It also screams bring on warmer times and patio vibes, no doubt thanks also in part to its retro-esque stubby bottle. The label really say.
