3 great, affordable French rose wines

I’LL CALL YOU RIGHT back.

The check is in the mail.

I promise I’ll be on time. We’ve all often heard these words before, only to be disappointed later.

Well, not this week, loyal readers.

A few weeks ago, while writing about five magnificent wines for Mother’s Day, I promised to write more about rose wines this spring. And this week, I’m making good on my promise.

Because once the weather warms up, who doesn’t love a great glass of rose?

And if you don’t like rose wine, you should give them another try.

I know it’s hard to believe but some people still turn their noses up at rose wines. But in recent years, the quality of these wines has improved dramatically. This is especially true when it comes to rose wines from France.

Normally, most wine articles about French rose wines focus on one specific region — Provence.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore Provence roses. I spent a week there a few years ago tasting wines from Provence. But who doesn’t love a little variety?

This week, I thought we’d head a little more west in France, where you can find many other outstanding, affordable rose wines.

Two of the rose wines recommended this week come from France’s Rhone region. The other comes from Bordeaux. And all three wines cost less than $20 a bottle. Hope you enjoy.

• 2021 Clarendelle Bordeaux Rose ($15.99 Suggested Retail Price)

Region: Haut-Brion, Bordeaux, France

Grapes: 65% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 3% cabernet franc France’s Bordeaux region is definitely not a place most people normally associate with rose wines. Instead, this is the land of silkysmooth, world-class reds, delicious, distinct dessert wines and under-the-radar white wines, which you can read more about in a few weeks. But add to that impressive list rose wines as well. This particular gem from Haut-Brion dances on your taste buds right from the start. Crisp, dry, sea salt flavors with a mineral-like finish and floral aromas make this subtle rose perfect for any warm afternoon or crisp, cool evening.

• 2022 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rose ($14.99 SRP)

Region: Rhone, France

Grapes: Blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault

In recent years, France’s Rhone region has slowly started to become better known for its rose wines. It’s easy to see why. They’re affordable. They taste great. And they have a very distinct character. In a way, this rose and the next one reminds me of lighter summer versions of Rhone’s better-known blended red wines. That’s probably because both of these Rhone roses use three grapes often used to make red wines in the Rhone region. This particular rose has a crisp, sea salt-like finish with delicate floral notes mixed with hints of strawberry.

• 2022

Region: Rhone, France

Grapes: Blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault

If you love Rhone wines, you probably know the Guigal winery. They produce an amazing range of wines — from affordable, everyday reds to expensive, worldclass Cote Roties. Pricewise, this rose definitely falls into the affordable, everyday category. But don’t let the price fool you. This beautiful, subtle wine has wonderful, soft floral aromas and flavors.

And like the other two roses recommended this week, this crisp, bright rose has a mineral-like finish with hints of sea salt. To be honest, you can’t go wrong with any of these three French roses. Cheers! Wine Press by Ken Ross ap - pears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.