Pretty in pink: 6 B.C. rosé wines for the Easter long weekend
Local winemakers have a way with springtime releases
The Easter long weekend calls for B.C. rosés, like Sandhill Winery’s, which sells out year after year.
WITH SPRINGTIME OFFICIALLY here, the cherry blossoms blooming, and Easter on the way, wine lovers are chilling rosés for this coming long-weekend celebrations. this coming weekend. Several B.C. wineries have standout pink wines; here are six of them that are under $25 and can be sourced at select local retailers and via the winery online shops.
Cedar Creek Estate Winery 2020 Estate Grown Pinot Noir Rosé
The rundown: The Pinot Noir is grown specifically for rosé, which means it’s picked earlier than it would be if it was destined for the long-standing Kelowna winery’s Pinot Noir—leading to finesse and elegance in the bottle. Why we love it: It’s fresh and light, but what really win us over are vibrant flavours of pink grapefruit and strawberry. ($20.99)
Gold Hill 2019 Rosé
The rundown: Founded by Sant and Gurbachan Gill, brothers who immigrated to Canada in the 1980s, the Oliver winery focuses on small-lot hand-crafted wines. Winemaker Valeria Tait did her undergraduate training in molecular genetics and plant biochemistry before earning an enology and viticulture degree from UC Davis, Napa. The rosé is made with 100 percent Cabernet Franc grapes in a “saignée” method, which gives it its bold, dark hue. Why we love it: It’s off-dry, floral, and bright with hints of passionfruit and citrus—perfect for spring. ($19.99)
Mission Hill Family Estate 2020 Reserve Rosé
The rundown: This structured wine, made of grapes from the winery’s estate vineyard in Osoyoos, is a blend of Pinot Noir (38 percent), Syrah (33 percent), and Merlot (29 percent). Why we love it: It bursts with concentrated flavours of raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon. ($21.99)
Roche Wines Rosé 2020
The rundown: Pénélope and Dylan Roche brought their Bordeaux and Burgundy-rooted wine-making skills to the Naramata Bench, where they practise hands-on, small-lot organic farming. With a dry finish, this wine is made of 92 percent Zweigelt, and eight percent Schonberger grapes. Why we love it: The meeting of cantaloupe and cranberry is pure pleasure. ($21.90)
Saintly 2019
The rundown: This Okanagan Valley wine, dubbed “the good rosé”, launched last year to popular response, selling out in the summer. Why we love it: With grapefruit, lime, and strawberry flavours leading to a crisp stone-fruit finish, it’s versatile and vibrant. ($17.99)
Sandhill Wines 2020 Rosé
The rundown: Award-winning winemaker Sandy Leier’s aromatic Provence-style rosé is a blend of Gamay Noir (65 percent) and Merlot (35 percent); it sells out every year. Why we love it: It’s full of juicy fruit flavours, like blood orange, pomegranate, berry, but we’re especially crazy about its off-dry elegance. ($20)
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