Ramon Cardova Rioja Rosado 2018

The 2018 Ramon Cardova Rosado, is a Spanish Rioja created as a coupage, or a blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Viura. The wine is a very light, pale pink color, and is one of the lighter rosés you’ll find in the market, similar in appearance to the famed Provencal style of the Rhone Valley in France.

These pale pink wines are often bursting with acid, which I prefer for rosé. The Cardova Rosado has notes of light red fruits, strawberries and plenty of mineral. While the acid is bracing, there is a sweet fruit core that balances the wine nicely.

This is a wine made for light, friendly, fun meals and warm weather. Its wallet-friendly price point allows you to open a second bottle for those lazy laps around the pool.