Fast facts:
- 2020 Kirkland Signature rosé, Côtes de Provence, France ($8.49 @ Costco, California – Item #1133993)
- 2019 Amie La Vie! rosé of Syrah – Grenache ($7.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)
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Côtes de Provence (translated: the hills of Provence) the largest district in the wine region, is arguably the dry rosé wine capital of the world. Historically, the region has been known for its hat on quaffable, early-drinking rosé wines. These are principally made from Rhone varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and – to a lesser extent – Mourvedre. |
Tasting Notes:
The wine is luminous with a pale pastel pink color, the nose is delicate yet fragrant with notes of cherry blossom and tangerine zest. Provencal terroir brings characteristic minerality and the subtle aromas of fresh berries and floral notes along with flavors of garrique (wild brush and herbs) citrus and ripe peach flavors. Well-balanced and lively with a short peach and watermelon finish. Enjoy with a wide range of fattier, rich foods.
We have also reviewed the 2019 vintage of this wine, and it is nice to see that the price has actually dropped some with this 2020 vintage.
Looking for a a fuller, fleshier, fruitier rosé? Try this one from Trader Joe’s.
Aime La Vie, translates to “love life” a tantalizing double or triple entendre. Ooh, la, la!
While this bottling doesn’t sport the same pedigree as the one above, it still packs a lot of QPR and – dare we say – love into its 750ml vessel. It made for an interesting comparative tasting in our home.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma of strawberries and red fruit. Tastes of strawberries, raspberries and watermelon and a hint of peachy sweetness. Smooth and generous mouthfeel. Well-balanced, you will be able to enjoy this wine with a wide variety of food pairings. It would even stand up well to grilled foods.
Given its current popularity, you will have no shortage of options when shopping to satisfy your rosé cravings. But few will deliver the goods as well as these two priced comfortably below $10. You can’t go wrong with either.
Need More Wine Picks from Costco – or Trader Joe’s?
If your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
And if your shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, you can find our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
Happy hunting, and happy summer,
Cheers!