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Think Pink – Eight Barbiecore Rosés for Summer 2023
It’s Barbie’s world; we’re just living in it. The Global Wine Masters’ Michael Huband takes a look at the best Barbiecore rosés to celebrate the new film’s release.
From the first Kubrick-inspired trailer, to the immaculate fashion of the press tour, Greta Gerwig’s toy tie-in has dominated social media. We could well be looking at the film of the summer. If you want to live your best Barbiecore life, there is no shortage of product partnerships. You can dress, eat frozen yoghurt and even brush your teeth à la Barbie. With it being a children’s toy, however, there is no official Barbie wine.
We may not be fashion authorities or leaders in feminist discourse, but we do know our wines. Every year, we bring together thousands of wines to be tasted by our judges. These experts, mostly Masters of Wine, so that consumers and wine companies can skip to the good stuff.
So if you’re a little old for the dolls, but just right for a glass of something pink, sit back, relax and enjoy our pick of eight award-winning Barbiecore rosés for summer 2023.
Finca Albret Rocío 2022
Medal: Gold at the Global Rosé Masters 2023
The judges said: This vibrant Rosé has an expressive nose of rich cranberry and blueberry, which leads you into the well-balanced, lively palate. Complex to the end, with wild forest berry acidity counterpointed by firm tannins, Finca Albret’s juicy rosado is a fine introduction to richer pink Garnacha.
We say: Barbie is not just pink – Barbie is hot pink. Boldly pink. Unrepentantly pink. The kind of pink that you still see when you close your eyes.
Navarra wines don’t quite hit that intensity (could anything, without a dose of e-numbers?) but are known for their deep hue. This one looks the part for summer 2023 and is delicious as well.
Kylie Minogue Collection Côtes de Provence Rosé 2021
Medal: Gold at the Global Rosé Masters 2022
The judges said: Kylie’s pink wine hails from Côtes de Provence, uses mostly Grenache in the blend, and is bone dry in style with a very pale salmon pink appearance. Blended with the help of LGI Wines, it’s a delicate, pretty wine, with flavours ranging from fresh grapefruit to blood orange, along with a hint of dried herbs and lemon zest.
We say: Small, blonde, infectiously chirpy and a key childhood figure for a multitude of queer men: Barbie and Kylie are kindred spirits.
Though we’re yet to see a winemaker Barbie, the Princess of Pop is filling that role with her carefully crafted range. And with quality like this, we’re happy for her to pick up the slack.
Gérard Bertrand Clos du Temple 2021
Medal: Master at the Global Rosé Masters 2023
The judges said: A delicious, age-worthy, textured, complex wine, that just happens to be pale pink. Among the layers of flavours are ruby grapefruit and Comice pear, tangerine and peach, with integrated barrel-sourced toast and cream-like characters, as well as a touch of freshly-struck matchstick. It’s a delicious combination that lingers long after you swallow this intense, dry and refreshing wine.
We say: We know what you’re thinking – pale, elegant and oh so classy Clos du Temple doesn’t scream hot pink and beach parties.
Maybe not, but along with her stints as a supermarket cashier and a waitress, Barbie has been an astronaut, a surgeon and a presidential candidate (several times). She’s earned the best.
Bodegas Gran Feudo Garnacha Rosé 2022
Medal: Gold at the Global Rosé Masters 2023
The judges said: Pale bubble-gum pink, it differs in appearance from the more common poached salmon hue of Provençal rosé, and stylistically too, it’s not the same. Using Navarran Garnacha and a touch of Tempranillo, there’s lots of juicy strawberry flavours, even a touch of cherry jam, then a bone-dry, lime-zest finish, meaning this is an easy-drinking, fruity and refreshing drop.
We say: Of course if your budget isn’t stretching to Clos du Temple, there’s no shame. Hark back to childhood days and save your pocket money for a special treat.
Actually scratch that. This delicious rosado comes in cheaper than most toys, so there’s really no saving required.
VIK La Piu Belle Rosé 2022
Medal: Gold at the Global Organic & Vegan Masters 2023
The judges said: This lovely vegan-friendly wine shows a very pale pink colour with peach, rose petal, orange zest and gentle creamy wood. Dry and light-bodied, the palate exudes red berry fruit, framed by zesty acidity and a little tannic grip. Savoury and lingering, this gastronomic style wine will pair well with mild vegan curries.
We say: Just look at it. It translates literally as ‘the most beautiful one’ and if that isn’t a Barbie aesthetic, I can’t imagine what is.
The maximalist range from VIK also won praise in our Design and Packaging Masters, proving their commitment extends to both taste and visuals.
De Bortoli Rosé Rosé 2022
Medal: Master at the Global Rosé Masters 2023
The judges said: Showing a lovely pale peach-pink colour and plenty of strawberry, cherry, apricot, and peach fruit, the palate has crisp acidity, buttery texture, and just a hint of tannin to balance the flavours. Stone and spice nuances accentuate the lingering finish.
We say: Like the movie’s lead actress, this Australian export is making waves on the global stage (and we hope it will have a similarly strong international performance this year).
In the meantime, we think this beach ready bottle of pink is just the drink for your rollerblading, volleyball playing summer days.
Bijou Le Chic 2021
Medal: Silver at the Wine Design & Packaging Masters 2023
The judges said: This “simple” and “practical” wine pouch was praised by the judges for its “premium feel” and “clear branding” – with the brand, the region and the grape variety all prominently stated, along with an “excellent explanation” about the benefits of buying wine in this format.
We say: Life in plastic – it’s fantastic! This was a great discovery at our new competition (judging for the first time on design rather than taste).
The wine world is one of the few areas where moving to plastic can be a positive step. Transporting heavy glass bottles is a major carbon contributor for the industry, and so ‘bagnums’ like this are a fantastic step forward for eco-conscious drinkers.
Bijou En Memoire de Sophie Valrose 2022
Medal: Master at the Global Rosé Masters 2023
The judges said: Pale pink-peach in colour, the wine exhibits gentle peach, golden apple and pomegranate fruit with orange zest overlay. Dry, the wine has medium acidity and a creamy texture leading to a lingering finish. A stylish wine to pair with salade niçoise or other Provençal dishes.
We say: It’s great to see that Bijou tastes delicious as well as pushing innovative packaging (see Le Chic above). But they have a great story to tell too!
This wine, named for a 19th Century vineyard worker, commemorates Sophie’s fight to improve conditions for women in the industry. Barbie may have a difficult relationship with feminism, but Sophie Valrose was without doubt a pioneer.