The 12 best rosés to try this summer, according to wine experts

With Memorial Day in the rearview mirror, we are officially in the fast lane to summer.

And what does summer signal? Ros on rooftops, of course.

While this summer you may be sipping your ros on your own rooftop with a mask firmly at your side, choosing the right ros can certainly elevate any self-isolation experience, transforming your personal space into a Provencal paradise.

"For folks that may be new to ros, I would encourage them to try a few different hues," said Andy Myers, wine director at Jose Andres Think Food Group. "Try a pale Provencal one, a blushing Spanish, and a rich, dark US version. See what you like."

He adds that ross should ideally be dry anywhere from 12.5% ABV or higher is a dry ros and loaded with fresh, vibrant fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

A note from our experts: While we tend to think of warm weather as "ros season," our experts unanimously agree that there is no such thing, and a great ros can be enjoyed any time of year. The taste of a good ros can give us something to look forward to and transport us to a beautiful afternoon at any time of year which may be just the dose of optimism we need right about now.

"The biggest misconception about ros is that it's only for warm-weather enjoyment. The truth is that ros is fantastic year round," said Brian Freedman, a wine, spirits, food, and travel writer. He consults on restaurants, is a drinks educator, event host, speaker, and regular wine contributor for Food & Wine Magazine.

"In fact, I love opening a bottle on a snowy evening in the dead of winter. It's my own little protest against the cold and the dark, and a wonderful reminder that better days are sure to come," Freedman added. Well said!

Anyway, shall we get on with it? Whether you're spread out on a picnic blanket in your own backyard or staring longingly out of your apartment window in the city, these are 12 of the best ross to try this summer, according to our experts.

1. Liquid Geography

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Courtesy of Liquid Geography

This is a ros from Rioja that hasn't quite reached the US yet, but will be launching here in just a few months.

"It's a delicious Garnacha-based ros," said Myers. "The best part is that Ole & Obrigado Imports is donating 50% of the profits to World Central Kitchen," a charity started by Jose Andres that helps battle global hunger.

"Pairing ros is easy," he added. "Serve it with happiness. Most ross are uncomplicated, easy, and fun. They tend to get along with everything from fresh veggies to hearty meats. Don't overthink it."

2. Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2019

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Courtesy of Chateau d'Esclans

If you're a rooftop ros veteran, chances are you've heard of Whispering Angel . This is the ros that made most Americans fall for the Provencal style.

"Great ross are being made in almost every wine region, but I have a particular affinity for ross from the South of France," said Gillian Sciaretta, associate editor at Wine Spectator. "Provence is arguably the most important region in the world for ros, and many winemakers outside of France strive to make Provencal-styled wines."

What sets a Provencal ros apart? Its flavors of citrus, red berry, melon, tangerine, spice, herb, and wet stone. Ross from Provence are dry and have minerals as well. Pair them with seafood and summer salads, Sciaretta added.

3. 2019 Minuty Ros et Or

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Courtesy of Chateau Minuty

This is a ros that beautifully captures the Chateau Minuty Saint-Tropez estate. It also happens to be the best ros wine among Vivino users, with a 4.3-star rating.

"[It] speaks of the seaside with its freshness and flavors and represents the ultimate in what a quality Cotes de Provence ros can achieve," said Joel Anthony Caruso, Vivino's partner sommelier and beverage educator. "Its gentle freshness gives way to concentrated, almost gourmet flavors."

4. 2019 Cotes de Provence Rose Tentations Clos Cibonne

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Courtesy of Clos Cibonne

From the Tibouren varietal, this is a ros that offers a little twist on the traditional.

"A geeky ros option for those looking for something different," said Brian Phillips, acting general manager and sommelier for The Citrus Club and former wine director for Darden Restaurant Group. "It's very expressive of the Provencal Mediterranean climate and environment, but the unique Tibouren varietal wine delivers a complex bouquet of flavors apart from the more common cuvee of Provence."

Phillips recommended sipping Clos Cibonne with richer dishes, from seafood stews to assorted aged cheeses.

5. Sofia Brut Ros 2019, Francis Ford Coppola Winery

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Courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola Winery

If you're in the mood for something celebratory, a sparkling ros pairs perfectly with a festive occasion. And these days, we certainly could use a few more reasons to celebrate.

Phillips recommended the Sofia Brut Ros for its hint of off-dry sweetness. Fun fact: It's available in both bottles and cans.

"Pair this with any water time recreation or chilling on a summer day," he said. "Its bubbles and touch of sweetness are perfect on their own as a great refresher."

6. Le Charmel Provence 2019

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Courtesy of Le Charmel

For Melvyn Master, proprietor of Le Charmel, Mont Gravet, Exem, Tortoise Creek, Kin & Cascadia, and Tiamo Organic, ros should always be from Provence or the south of France. In particular, this year he's excited for his Le Charmel Provence .

"I think these styles of ros can be enjoyed alone, but their versatility allows them to be all occasion wines," he said. "For newbies, I would always choose something that is from the south of France, as these wines are the most representative of ros at its best."

7. Domaines Ott 'BY.OTT' Ros

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Courtesy of Domaines Ott

Freedman has tasted more than 120 different ross for the 2020 season, so you can trust his judgment when he recommends Domaines Ott "BY.OTT" ros from Cotes de Provence.

"Like a lot of people, my wine drinking time has definitely shifted to earlier in the day as quarantine has worn on," he said. Ros is perfect for that, as it's light enough to be enjoyed well before 5 p.m. "The classic pairing is ros with Nicoise salad, but I love it with everything from canned sardines to potato chips to grilled hot dogs," he explained.

Pro tip: Freedman's preferred ros meal is Hebrew Nationals on a Martin's potato roll topped with sauerkraut, relish, and mustard.

"Great ros pairs with it perfectly," he said. "My only complaint is that the bottle tends to vanish way more quickly than I ever expected."

8. Anne Amie Twelve Oaks Estate Ros of Pinot Gris 2019 Willamette Valley

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Courtesy of Anne Amie Twelve Oaks Estate

For something a little richer, Freedman recommended the Anne Amie Twelve Oaks Estate Ros , which is copper in color and has notes of caramel, dried pineapples, tarragon, and lime juice.

"Personally, there are times when I want a richer style of ros, something a bit more extracted, and others when I crave that classic, delicate, detailed Provencal style. The good news is that you can find it all with relative ease," he said.

9. JNSQ Ros Cru

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Courtesy of JNSQ

For a touch of style and unique presentation, master sommelier Joe Spellmen recommended JNSQ ("je ne sais quois"). Sourced from vineyards all over the California central coast, this ros is based on Grenache.

"Its 'secret sauce,'" he revealed, "is a very small percentage of Viognier to bump up the floral character of the nose. It's a delightful wine with fine food like steamed lobster, sauted scallops, or by itself for celebratory occasions."

10. JUSTIN Ros 2019

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Courtesy of JUSTIN

This delicate-hued ros uses Syrah as the main event.

"It is a firm and dry wine," Spellman said. "With just a touch of white pepper and fresh apple in its attractive aromas, it's a great aperitif with charcuterie or fine farmstead cheeses."

11. Arnot-Roberts Ros California 2019

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Courtesy of Arnot-Roberts

For Christopher Hoel, expert curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co., founder of Harper's Club , and former wine director at French Laundry, you can find great ros from all over the world, but in an oversaturated market where much of it isn't worth sipping, it can be hard to navigate the shelves.

"Domestically, I like Arnot-Roberts," he said. "They do a funky ros based on one of the staple grapes in the production of port, but they do it in a very delicate style." It's a pale-style ros , which is odd coming from one of the thickest skin grapes out there, but it's one that he absolutely loves.

12. Via Tondonia Ros Gran Reserva 2009, Lopez de Heredia

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Courtesy of Lopez de Heredia

If you really want to mix it up, as many of these wine experts suggested you do with your ros, Lopez de Heredia is a wine producer in Rioja that's creating some fabulous ros. Their vintage ros is aged in American barrels for four years, and then another four years in the bottle. If you know anything about ros, that may seem wild to you, but according to Hoel, it's a must-try.

"The current vintage is impossible to get," he said. Not because it's expensive, but because it's rare. In fact, he said it's not even that expensive, just a tough one to discover.

"It is one of the most amazing ros experiences you'll ever have. If you see it somewhere, buy it and call me," he added.

Meagan Drillinger is freelance travel and lifestyle writer. Connect with her on Instagram and learn more on her website .