Rosés all abloom

South Valley wineries take home medals

BLUSHING PINK Clos La Chance and Guglielmo bring home gold, bronze medals from Experience Rosé Competition.

The blooming popularity of all things pink meant a record number of submissions to the 2018 Experience Rosé Competition, held on April 18 at Soda Rock Winery in the heart of Healdsburg’s Alexander Valley. An outstanding breadth of rosés in every possible hue, from the faintest hint of pink, to cherry soda, hailed from across the nation and from afar.

South Valley wineries medaled, including 2017 Clos La Chance Colibri (Gold) and Guglielmo Grignolino (Bronze).

The overall winners all clock in under $25, making this the best bang for your buck category ever.

Best of Show and Best Domestic Dry: 2017 Draxton Pinot Meunier Rosé, Napa Valley, $18.
Alluring tea rose notes, cherry pie and fresh strawberries. Flows like a ballroom dancer. Awarded 100 points.

Best Domestic Sparkling: NV Domaine Laurier Brut Rosé, California, Method Champenoise, $12.99.

Solid fine-bubbled sparkler with cranberry-pom core and plenty of zip.

Best Domestic Sweet: NV Penns Woods Winery Moscato Rosé, Pennsylvania, $24.
Like a summer day at your favorite county fair, brimming with sweet strawberries, cotton candy and pink raspberry lemonade.

Best International Dry: 2017 Marquis de Goulaine Rosé d’Anjou, $11.99.
What you dream about from Provence: floral and fresh as a spring morning, with abundant fruit yet lots of savory notes.

Best International Sparkling: NV Tarantas Sparkling Rosé, Valencia DO, $10.99.

Super dry with galvanizing citrus, dried strawberries and red currants. Relentless!

Visit winecompetitions.com for a complete list of winners.