Quench your thirst with this $10 pinot grigio that tastes like rosé
In honor of National Rosé Day Saturday, June 8, here are three celebrity-themed rosés. My inner wine geek wants to be skeptical of the marketing, but these wines are actually quite good.
Any of these celebrity wines would impress at a rosé-themed party this weekend. But if you want to win the tasting with a surprise entry, go for the greatest value of the week, the La Jara Pinot Grigio 2018. It looks and tastes like a rosé, even though the coppery color of the wine comes from the dark skins of this white grape.
La Jara Pinot Grigio 2018
Two stars
Venezia, Italy, $10
Here's a sneaky entry into your wine club's rosé tasting. It's not actually a rosé, even though it looks and tastes like one. Pinot gris is a dark-skinned grape, and when the juice is fermented with a little skin contact, it takes on a coppery-orange tint. The result is very different from the typical pinot grigio with its crisp, neutral character. This wine, made with organic grapes, has oomph. The same producer also makes a nice, inexpensive prosecco. Alcohol by volume: 12.5 percent.
Hampton Water 2018
Two and a half stars
Languedoc, France, $25
Watermelon and strawberry flavors, with a hint of mint, highlight this delightful rosé from rock star Jon Bon Jovi and his son, Jesse Bongiovi, in collaboration with French winemaker Gerard Bertrand. If strawberry doesn't come to mind with the first sip, it is also suggested by the strawberry shaped punt - or bottom divot - in the elegant bottle. ABV: 13 percent.
Miraval 2018
Two and a half stars
Cotes de Provence, France, $25
Dubbed "the Art of Rosé," this may not be the original celebrity pink wine, but it is the most famous. Created by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, along with the Perrin family of Chateauneuf-du-Pape fame, Miraval (where Jolie and Pitt were married and still co-own) hits the classic notes - pale color, flavors of melons, berries and sea air, and a refreshing palate. There is also a nice second label, called Studio, that retails for about $19. Despite their very public split, Brangelina maintain ownership of the brand. ABV: 13 percent.
Legend Vineyard Exclusive 'LVE' 2018
Two stars
Provence, France, $27
This is singer-songwriter John Legend's foray into wine, in partnership with Jean-Charles Boisset of the Boisset Collection family of wines. It tastes more on the herbal side of rosé, with an intriguing dryness and finish. There is also an LVE sparkling rosé. ABV: 12.5 percent.
Tasca Regaleali Le Rose 2018
Two and a half stars
Sicily, Italy, $14
Juicy, with hints of spice and wild herbs, this lovely rosé is made with the Sicilian grape variety nerello mascalese. Don't look for subtlety here; this is straightforward, unapologetic fun. Certified sustainable. ABV: 12 percent.