JUNE 24, 2024 – Experience Rosé, a wine competition that focuses exclusively on expressions of pink wine — sweet, dry and sparkling — has announced results of the 2024 contest. Taking top prize this year is Breathless WInes’ NV Brut Rosé, which judges described as “Toasty, nutty”; “raspberry and exotic spice”; “elegant, balanced with a long finish.” In addition to Best of Show, the wine also took honors as Best Domestic Sparkling.
“This wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. This blending brings out the best of all three varieties and complexity to the finished wine,” says winemaker Penny Gadd-Coster. “Flavors of white cherry, lime and watermelon all wrapped up with an elegant style of Rosé. The fine mousse brings a creaminess that adds to the elegance in the mouthfeel of this beautifully crafted wine. I always want the grapes to be featured, but also give a nod to tradition by making this in the traditional Champagne style.”
Now in its sixth year, Experience Rosé was founded to help curious consumers confidently explore this emergent fine wine category. “This competition is always a lot of fun,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder of Wine Competitions Management & Production, which presents the contest. “The range of colors, grape varieties and styles is always so wide — it’s fun to sample through them all. The quality of the wines entered proves that rosé is a style to no longer be ignored.”
“Rosé is one of the most versatile wines in my book — they bring fun with their color, fruit flavors and aroma,” says Gadd-Coster.”And then as bubbles to the mix and every sip is a celebration!”
Eligibility for this competition is open to any wine (U.S. or international) with the word “rosé” clearly included on its front or back labeling. Judges include winemakers, sommeliers, retail buyers, wine educators, and journalists.
About Wine Competitions Management & Production
Wine Competitions Management & Productions (WCMP) produces more than a dozen wine, cider and spirits competitions annually, each carefully designed to appeal to a niche market based on regionality or style of judging. Judges are internationally renowned and respected experts. For more information, visit our website.
EXPERIENCE ROSÉ BEST OF CLASS WINNERS
Best of the Best, Best Domestic Sparkling
Breathless Wines NV Brut Rosé (BOC, GG, 98 pts.)
Judges: “Toasty, nutty”; “raspberry and exotic spice”; “elegant, balanced with a long finish.”
Best Domestic Dry
Pedroncelli Winery 2023 Rosé (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Well balanced”; “tropical fruit”; “mid palate is loaded with strawberries.”
Best Domestic Sweet
Noboleis Vineyards NV Swirl Sangria Raspberry and Papaya (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Cola”; “pleasant, nice quality.”
Best International Dry
Taylor Made 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Clean, crisp”; “great viscosity”; “well structured.” †
Best International Sweet
Banfi Vintners 2022 Rosa Regale Sparkling Rose (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Poolside wine”; “cocktail wine.”
Best Native American/Hybrid
Carlos Creek Winery 2023 Minnterra Rose (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Nice juicy watermelon”; “cranberry essence on back of palate.”
OTHER BEST OF CLASS WINNERS
Mathis Wine 2023 Roséde Grenache (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Delicate and lovely”; “Great barbecue wine”; “Perfect wine for a hot day.”
Oak Farm Vineyards 2023 Rosé of Grenache (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Soft, easily approachable”; “pretty in pink”; “lush and lively”; “citrus driven”; “crisp pink lady apple.”
Barefoot Bright & Breezy NV Rosé (BOC, G, 90)
Judges: “Strawberry, raspberry”; “easy drinking.”
