Charles & Charles Rosé – Everything You Want In A Rosé

81% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre, 2% Cinsault and 1% Grenache from Columbia Valley, Washington.

SRP of $13 and available for as low as $10. 20,100 cases made. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

“A collaboration founded in 2008 between Food & Wine Magazine 2009 Winemaker of the year, Charles Smith (K Vintners, Charles Smith Wines) and Charles Bieler (Three Thieves, BIELER Pere et Files, Gothan Project). We produce just two wines a vintage, a rosé, and a red blend.

12.9% Alcohol”

I love rosé and while I will gladly drink it all year round, there’s really no better time than the summer. As a result I was quite glad to see this wine show up. Perhaps even more exciting is where this wine comes from — Charles Smith and Charles Bieler, two winemakers with strong reputations for making excellent inexpensive wines.

Charles Smith is behind the excellent House Wines (Magnificent Wine Company House Red Wine 2010 – Truth) among many others, while you’ll most likely recognize Charles Bieler from his Three Thieves line of “The Show” wines (The Show Garnacha 2010 – No Circus Clowns Needed). Put these two together and what do you get? A virtual lock for the next update of our Refreshing Rosé Wines Under $20 list.

The 2012 Charles & Charles Rosé begins with a very inviting aroma of strawberry, watermelon, citrus and a little minerality. The wine tastes lively, fruity and salty in the mouth with savory tart strawberry, citrus and melon flavors and perhaps just the slightest bit of effervescence. It also has great acidity which will helps make it a wonderful and flexible food wine. It ends with good length and lingering melon notes. This wine has everything you want in a rosé — it’s refreshing, savory and food flexible. Bring on summer!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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