Charles & Charles Rose

Charles & Charles Rosé is a Columbia Valley, Washington rosé blending Rhône grape varieties in a 750ml bottle at approximately 13% ABV. Awarded 90 points from James Suckling (2023 vintage), Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator across multiple vintages, this wine has earned consistent critical praise for its vibrant fruit and refreshing acidity.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Dry Rosé  |  Producer: Charles Bieler & Charles Smith

Production & Heritage

Charles & Charles is a collaboration between two respected figures in American winemaking: Charles Bieler, who comes from a multi-generational winemaking family rooted in Provence, and Charles Smith, the iconoclastic Washington State vintner behind Wines of Substance and K Vintners. The rosé is built from a Rhône-inspired blend — the 2021 vintage comprised 44% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. All fruit is sourced from vineyards above 1,100 feet in elevation within Columbia Valley, placing the grapes in the top 10% of Washington plantings by altitude. That elevation allows gentle ripening, preserving natural acidity and developing complex flavors without excessive alcohol. Grapes are harvested at night to minimize color extraction, then put through a direct press to keep the wine light and fresh.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright wild raspberry and watermelon, followed by delicate floral tones of rose petal and lavender. Yellow strawberry and a subtle citrus note add vibrancy as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: On entry, the palate is light-bodied yet full-flavored, with red plum and strawberry fruit arriving immediately. Mid-palate reveals a streak of minerality and earthy spice, supported by lively acidity that keeps the wine taut and refreshing. A hint of orange peel and smoky spice adds dimension without weight.

Finish: The finish is crisp and clean, with lingering raspberry and a gentle tangy quality. It closes dry and bright, encouraging another sip without fatigue.

How to Drink Charles & Charles Rosé

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, in a standard white wine glass to focus the aromatics. This rosé is built to be an effortless warm-weather pour but has enough structure to hold attention at the table.

In a Frosé, the watermelon and strawberry notes translate beautifully into a frozen format. A Rosé Spritz — rosé topped with elderflower liqueur and sparkling water — plays off the wine's natural floral character. For a French 75 variation using rosé instead of Champagne, the wine's acidity and citrus undertones provide a clean, dry backbone.

Best For

• Summer entertaining on patios, rooftops, and poolside gatherings
• Bringing a reliably crowd-pleasing bottle to a dinner party
• Pairing with a Mediterranean or charcuterie spread
• Introducing Rhône-style rosé to someone accustomed to Provence

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Charles & Charles Rosé taste like? It delivers bright strawberry and raspberry fruit with watermelon, a thread of minerality, and lively acidity that finishes crisp and dry. Subtle earthy spice and floral notes distinguish it from simpler rosés.

How does Charles & Charles Rosé compare to Whispering Angel? Whispering Angel is a Provence rosé built primarily on Grenache, Cinsault, and Rolle with a very pale, delicate profile, while Charles & Charles is a Washington State Rhône blend with slightly more body, berry intensity, and spice. Both are dry and food-friendly, but Charles & Charles typically sits at a lower price point with comparable critical scores.

Is Charles & Charles Rosé good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality make it a satisfying stand-alone pour, especially when served well chilled on a warm day.

Where is Charles & Charles Rosé made? It is produced in Columbia Valley, Washington, from vineyards situated above 1,100 feet in elevation. Columbia Valley is Washington's largest American Viticultural Area, known for its warm days, cool nights, and long growing seasons.

What foods pair well with Charles & Charles Rosé? Grilled shrimp or salmon benefit from the wine's acidity cutting through richness. A charcuterie board with prosciutto and aged cheeses complements the earthy spice. Greek salad with feta mirrors the wine's tangy freshness. Roasted chicken with herbs aligns with the Rhône character of the blend. Strawberry-topped desserts echo the wine's dominant fruit notes without overwhelming its dryness.

What sizes does Charles & Charles Rosé come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Charles & Charles Rosé worth the price? It positions squarely as a value-driven rosé that punches above its weight — multiple 90-point scores from major publications place it alongside wines that cost significantly more, making it one of the stronger values in American rosé.

Why Charles & Charles Rosé?

What separates this wine from the crowded rosé market is specificity of place. The dedicated high-elevation vineyard sourcing — above 1,100 feet, in the top 10% of Washington State plantings — is a production detail that virtually no other American rosé producer can claim, and it directly shapes the wine's natural acidity and restrained alcohol. The collaboration between Charles Bieler's Provençal winemaking heritage and Charles Smith's deep knowledge of Washington terroir produces a rosé that bridges Old World elegance and New World fruit generosity. Consistent 90-point scores across Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits, and James Suckling over more than a decade confirm this is not a one-vintage success story but a reliably well-made wine.