Most quality rosés are created by pressing red grapes right after harvest, which makes the pale pink colour, before separating the pink juice from the grape skins. 

Rosé is “brighter and more refreshing than many red wines, but shares some characteristics with white wine,” says Napa Valley winemaker Jeff Morgan, the author of Rosé: A Guide to the World’s Most Versatile Wine. 

Here's a few – mostly local options – we're coveting right now:

FICKLE MISTRESS ROSÉ

A bright and zippy drop, lead by red currant, stone fruit and berry coulis flavours, with a subtle hint of cherry blossom. These gorgeous and alluring summer flavours portray a natural acidity that’s refreshing on the palate and delightfully aromatic.

JULES TAYLOR ROSÉ

A watermelon pink colour with aromas of fresh summer berries and cream, layered over ripe watermelon. This wine has lovely balance and a lingering fruit-filled finish.

CHURCH ROAD ROSÉ

Comprised of the free-run juice of ripe Hawke's Bay merlot and syrah, skin contact is kept to an absolute minimum for this wine, to avoid the extraction of any bitterness or astringency and for a fragrant, finely-textured rosé.

GROVE MILL ROSÉ

Made from pinot noir grapes from Wairau Valley vineyards. A bright coral pink hue gives way to vibrant aromas of strawberry and rose petal. With a lovely dry finish, it is the perfect match for smoked salmon or asian cuisine. 

MUMM CHAMPAGNE ROSÉ

Mumm Cordon Rouge presents the abundant bubbles that explode to create a fine and lively head with a relatively pale salmon pink and light orange highlights. Individual hints of strawberry, cherry and redcurrant dominate a lively, dynamic attack reminiscent of fruits of the freshness.