Kim Crawford Rose

Kim Crawford Rosé is a dry, Merlot-based rosé from New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region, bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by one of New Zealand's most recognized wine brands, this rosé stands out for its vivid berry intensity and crisp, clean finish — a hallmark of the cool-climate fruit the country's vineyards deliver.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand  |  Style: Dry Rosé  |  Primary Grape: Merlot  |  Size: 750ml

Production & Heritage

Kim Crawford was founded in 1996 by Kim and Erica Crawford in New Zealand, quickly establishing itself as a powerhouse in the country's modern wine scene. The brand earned international recognition largely through its Sauvignon Blanc, which received Wine Spectator 90+ scores for seven consecutive years and appeared on their Top 100 list multiple times. The Rosé is produced primarily from Merlot grapes grown in Hawke's Bay, one of New Zealand's warmest and most established red-grape growing regions, where the fruit develops ripe berry character while retaining the bright acidity that defines Kiwi winemaking. The wine displays a vibrant pale strawberry hue that reflects careful handling and gentle extraction during production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe watermelon and fresh summer berries, followed by delicate floral notes. A subtle creaminess rounds out the bouquet without masking the fruit-forward character.

Taste: The palate enters with sweet strawberry and red cherry flavors that carry real depth at mid-palate. Fresh stone fruit emerges alongside the berry core, and crisp acidity keeps everything taut and balanced. A touch of white floral character adds nuance throughout.

Finish: The finish is dry and clean with lingering fresh berry flavors and a faint floral lift. Medium in length, it leaves the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.

How to Drink Kim Crawford Rosé

Serve well-chilled, ideally between 45–50°F, to let the berry fruit and acidity shine at their best. This rosé also works beautifully as a cocktail base. A Frosé takes full advantage of the wine's concentrated berry character when blended frozen. In a Rosé Spritz with elderflower liqueur and sparkling water, the Merlot-driven body holds its own against dilution. For a Rosé Sangria, the ripe strawberry and watermelon notes integrate naturally with fresh summer fruit.

Best For

• Outdoor entertaining — barbecues, picnics, and patio gatherings
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates New Zealand wines
• Weeknight dinner pairing with lighter spring and summer dishes
• Introducing someone to dry, fruit-forward rosé styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kim Crawford Rosé taste like? Kim Crawford Rosé delivers fresh strawberry, watermelon, and cherry flavors with floral accents and crisp acidity, finishing dry and clean. It is fruit-forward but well-balanced, avoiding sweetness.

How does Kim Crawford Rosé compare to Whispering Angel? Whispering Angel is a Provence-style rosé from southern France that tends toward a paler, more mineral-driven profile, while Kim Crawford Rosé leans into richer berry fruit intensity from its New Zealand Merlot base. Both are dry rosés, but Kim Crawford generally offers a bolder fruit character at a similar or lower price tier.

Is Kim Crawford Rosé good for sipping on its own? Yes — the crisp acidity and dry finish make it a satisfying standalone pour, particularly when served well-chilled on warm days. Its fruit-forward profile is approachable without being sweet.

Where is Kim Crawford Rosé made? Kim Crawford Rosé is produced in New Zealand from Merlot grapes grown in the Hawke's Bay region, located on the east coast of the North Island. The brand was founded in 1996 and has become one of New Zealand's most widely distributed wine labels.

What foods pair well with Kim Crawford Rosé? Grilled salmon benefits from the wine's acidity cutting through the fish's richness. Caprese salad mirrors the fresh, summery fruit character. Soft goat cheese complements the wine's floral and berry notes. Prosciutto-wrapped melon echoes the watermelon aromas in the glass. Light Thai or Vietnamese dishes pair well, as the crisp finish balances mild spice.

What sizes does Kim Crawford Rosé come in? Kim Crawford Rosé is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Some markets may carry 375ml half-bottles or larger-format options depending on regional distribution.

Is Kim Crawford Rosé worth the price? Kim Crawford Rosé positions as an accessible, mid-range rosé that delivers reliable quality and genuine varietal character. Within the New Zealand rosé category, it represents strong value given the brand's established reputation and consistent production standards.

Why Kim Crawford Rosé?

Hawke's Bay Merlot gives this wine a fruit intensity that many rosés at the same price point simply lack. The Kim Crawford brand built its global reputation on over-delivering for the category — its Sauvignon Blanc earned Wine Spectator Top 100 recognition multiple times — and the Rosé follows that same philosophy. The combination of ripe New Zealand fruit, dry winemaking style, and genuine acidity makes it versatile across seasons, food pairings, and occasions. For drinkers looking for a rosé with real flavor rather than pale anonymity, this bottling consistently delivers.