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Rosé—the effervescent pink wine is as much a harbinger of summer as a faint Mister Softee jingle playing down your street or a restaurant setting up outdoor seating on the sidewalk. It exudes Hamptons chic during even the most sweltering moments of Gotham heat. And with rosé-focused festivals like La Nuit en Rosé (Hornblower Infinity Yacht, Pier 40, W Houston St at the Hudson River; nuitrose.com; Thu 18–Sat 20; $75–$195) and Pinknic (Governors Island; pinknic.com; June 24, 25; $65–$275) fast approaching, we tapped sommelier extraordinaire and James Beard Award winner Aldo Sohm (Le Bernardin, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar) to school us on the best blushing vino to nab this summer. Here are his picks.
Domaine Vacheron, sancerre rosé, Loire Valley, France
“Mineraly and tight, this rosé is so refreshing. There is a certain austerity with a very juicy and delicate fruit. Americans typically turn to Provence when drinking French rosé, but this unexpected sancerre should not be overlooked.” Buy a bottle at: Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits, 505 Park Ave (212-838-7500, sherry-lehmann.com). $32.95
Channing Daughters, rosato di syrah, Bridgehampton, New York
“This one has a citrusy lightness to it yet also is structured and well balanced. I love to support local wineries, and when they make such delicious wine, it’s even easier!” Buy a bottle at: Big Nose Full Body, 389 Seventh Ave, Brooklyn (718-369-4030, bignosefullbody.com). $22
Bedrock Wine Co., old vine rosé, Sonoma, California
“Dubbed ‘Ode to Lulu,’ it’s an easy wine to like because it’s fruity and crisp yet luscious. It is a rosé you can drink casually, but I still consider it a serious wine.” Buy a bottle aT: Union Square Wine & Spirits, 140 Fourth Ave (212-675-8100, unionsquarewines.com). $27.99