Every year after Shavuot, the same thing happens to me almost the same way: a huge void. After a fun tsunami of hosting family and friends and drinking lots of wine, suddenly there's silence. Back to routine, an endlessly hot summer, and an unclear horizon — because that's how it is here.

This is exactly the time when wine shifts from being a food accessory to an essence in itself, especially if it’s a light wine that means business. For years, I was a “rosé refuser” just because pink seemed clichéd to me.

But lately I’ve been discovering it’s actually a real treat — and sometimes, pink is the most sophisticated of all.

This time, three bottles of rosé found their way to me. Two from Argentina, two from Israel, that reminded me of two things: One, I love rosé. And two, sometimes good wine is all you need to feel cool, even when the humidity starts creeping in.

From the Southernmost Vineyard in the World

The vineyards of the Otronia winery in the Patagonia region (southern Argentina) hold the most attractive title I’ve heard in a while: the southernmost vineyard in the world.

At latitude 45, the cold is nearly prohibitive for cultivation, yet somehow they manage to grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varieties.

Otronia’s rosé, which is also available in Israel, is perhaps the driest I’ve tasted recently — mineral, clean, sharp, and balanced. This is a premium wine that’s worth every shekel.

By the way, it might not suit everyone — say, if you prefer your rosé on the sweet side — but if you enjoy a sophisticated, adventurous, and very tasty wine, this is spot on for you.

Price: NIS 125.

Sophisticated and adventurous (credit: screenshot, Walla System)
Sophisticated and adventurous (credit: screenshot, Walla System)

Organic and Tasty

Still in Argentina, but slightly further north — more precisely in the Mendoza wine region. There, at the Argento winery, an organic rosé is made from several red grape varieties and also white Pinot Gris. It’s pleasant in character and on the palate. The organic rosé from Argento is an easy-to-drink wine with hints of strawberry and flowers.

By the way, organic wines don’t always pass the taste test, but this one absolutely does. It’s precise, refreshing, and very balanced. In simple terms: not too bitter, not too sweet, and most importantly: you can drink it in the afternoon without a holiday meal or special occasion — just open a bottle.

Price: NIS 59.

The Barbara Rosé from the Artigianale series of Tabor Winery (credit: EYAL KEREN)
The Barbara Rosé from the Artigianale series of Tabor Winery (credit: EYAL KEREN)

Rosé with Character

With all due respect to Argentina, in Israel we also make quite a few worthy rosé wines. What I love most about the Barbara Rosé from the Artigianale series of Tabor Winery is that it doesn’t try to be southern French or imitate Provence. On the other hand, it’s clearly not just another beginner’s rosé aiming for the lowest common denominator.

It works great both on its own and with food. Barbara Rosé isn’t a common sight in Israel, and in this version, it’s evident that the winery is trying to push the boundaries of local varieties and adapt to the Mediterranean climate. It has color, it has flavor, and it has an Israeli twist. A wine with character.

Price: NIS 60.