Rosé All Day (And Night)

WINE OF THE MONTH

Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé

Last evening, the Wilmington Wine Circle was sipping rosés “under the golden rays; sipping it slow in a summer haze from Saint Tropez to Delaware Bay.” This month’s wine circle brought us the complete gamut of rosés from light, pale Côtes de Provence styles to fuller-bodied, complex Italian and Tavel wines. But it was the sparkling rosé from Burgundy that took the evening’s spot as our over-all favorite: Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé.

The Lineup

Our tasting featured eight distinctive wines, each thoughtfully paired with equally delicious dishes:

• Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé NV
• Château Minuty M Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024
• Domaine de la Rouvière Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024
• Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé 2025
• Summer Water Central Coast California Rosé 2025
• Samuel Robert Vineyard Reserve Rosé Willamette Valley Oregon 2025
• Proprietà Sperino Rosa del Rosa Peidmont Italy 2025
• Brotte Les Eglantiers Rosé Tavel 2025

And the Favorite Is…

Our overall favorite wine of the evening was the Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé, a sparkling rosé from Burgundy that delivered both elegance and pure drinking pleasure.

Pale salmon pink in color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles, the wine opens with inviting aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry, red currant, and rose petal, accented by subtle notes of brioche and citrus zest. On the palate, it is dry, crisp, and refreshing, with lively acidity supporting flavors of wild berries, pink grapefruit, and red apple. A gentle creaminess from extended lees aging adds texture and complexity, while the finish remains clean, bright, and energetic.

What made this wine stand out among a beautiful lineup of rosés was its versatility. The vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and crowd-pleasing sparkle made it equally enjoyable on its own and alongside a wide the paired salmon and dill dip. It offered the freshness expected of a rosé while adding the extra dimension that only traditional method sparkling wine can provide.

Elegant and remarkably well balanced, the Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé earned the title of Wine Circle Favorite with the Golden Corkscrew Award going to Susie Short for sharing this pleasing rosé with the group.

Until next month, cheers from the Wilmington Wine Circle!

“The best wines are the ones we drink with friends.”

July Wine Circle

At our upcoming July Wine Circle, we’ll explore one of the world’s most favorite white wines: Sauvignon Blanc. From the steely, mineral-driven wines of France to the bold, tropical expressions of New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most expressive grapes in the world and the perfect summertime drink companion!

So come join us to start sipping your way through summer on Thursday, July 9, from 6:00-7:30 pm at a Wilmington location TBD.

The first Thursday of each month (well, this month it’s the second Thursday), up to 8 people get together to enjoy each other’s company as we taste wine focused on a particular varietal, wine style or wine region. There’s no fee to participate in these gatherings. Each month is hosted by a different person who is only responsible for providing glasses and a festive tasting atmosphere. Each participant brings a bottle of wine and a paired snack to share that fits the month’s theme.

And Don’t Forget to Vote!

It’s that time of year again to vote on the themes for next year’s Monthly Wine Circles.

And the nominees are …

January 2027–Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
February 2027–Portugal or Chile
March 2027–Grenache/Garnacha or Mourvèdre/Monastrell
April 2027–Austria or Germany
May 2027–Chenin Blanc or Pinot Gris/Grigio
June 2027–Southern Rhône or Greece
July 2027–Atlantic Whites or Sonoma Coast Whites
August 2027–Loire Valley or Washington State
September 2027–Cabernet Franc or Sangiovese
October 2027–Australia or New Zealand
November 2027–Merlot or Malbec
December 2027–Fortified & Holiday Wines or Bordeaux Blends

Cast Your Ballot

Click on the following link to cast your ballot: 2027 Wilmington Wine Circle Ballot

All ballots must be cast by midnight on June 30, 2026. The winning themes for 2027 will be announced in July.