Best Rosé Wine Regions 2019: Loire, California & More

'Twas the first day of summer and all through the bar, visions of pink-hued wine dance in our heads. It's "rosé all day" season, and before you instinctively reach for a bottle from Provence (excellent as this southern French region is), get to know these other wine-producing areas around the world known for their high-quality rosé.

Loire Valley

France's Loire Valley is a rosé hotbed. The region's two main red grapes, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, produce savory, earth-driven bottles that pair perfectly with an array of summer barbecue fare thanks to some serious structure and food-friendly acidity. The valley is known for its quality-to-price ratio, meaning these bottles are certain to satisfy without breaking the bank.

Recommendations: Domaine des Hauts Baigneux, Domaine Mosse, Thibaud Boudignon

North Coast

California's North Coast includes six major wine-producing counties: Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Solano. Although northern California is generally known for rich reds and full-bodied whites, its rosés are also stellar. Expect crisp, thirst-quenching wine produced from a variety of different grapes, including Syrah, Grenache and Valdiguié.

Recommendations: Matthiasson, Jolie-Laide, Arnot-Roberts

Lake Garda

The vines of Italy's Bardolino appellation are ideally situated along the breathtaking turquoise waters of Lake Garda, dedicated to the Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara varieties. This famous trio, best known for use in regional red wine production, create hearty high-acid rosés that pair perfectly with warm, sunny days.

Recommendations: Cavalchina, Lireos 

Basque Country

A glass of Txakoli rosé is all it takes to instant transport yourself to sunny Spain. This spritzy, saline-tinged wine generally has a lower ABV than other varieties, making it the perfect choice for lazy afternoons. These bottles tend to show flavors of grapefruit, lemon and blood orange, and when serve with classic Spanish pintxos, help create an authentic aperitif experience.

Recommendations: Ameztoi, Antxiola

Languedoc 

For Provence on a budget, check out the wines of France's Languedoc region. Its major growing regions run along the southwestern coastline, dominated by Mediterranean sunshine and salty marine influence. Expect refreshing, red-fruited bottles with a manageable price tag. They're perfect for barbecues, beach days and all things summertime.

Recommendations: Domaine Montrose