What is Rosé Wine?

It’s Pink… north of White and south of Red.  Rosé is often Missundaztood yet with amazing range like the entertainer P!nk’s iconic album.  And Billy Joel who has an upcoming collaboration with P!nk, introduced Rosé to us in Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.   The lyrics begin:  “A bottle of white, a bottle of red, Perhaps a bottle of Rosé instead.”   I don’t know if I am more excited about the wine or Billy & P!nk singing together – but let’s get back to wine…  Rosé Wine is made in three styles:

1. The most popular being where the winemaker limits the contact with the red grape skins during the fermentation process to achieve the desired color and taste.
2. Rosé may also be created by taking some of a red wine’s juice soon after its pressed to create the Rosé as well as a more intense Red Wine.
3. And some Rosés are made by adding red wine to white to achieve a certain taste and color

Many of us started their Rosé journey with ‘White Zinfandel’ – mine was from Berringer which had a bit of sweetness that at the time seemed pretty good.  Had some recently and to be sure my tastes have evolved – but you gotta start somewhere.

Rosé Wine Types to explore…

Gazing at the lavender hills of Provence, the spiritual home of Rosé Wine, let’s dream about summer as it approaches.  Rosé works well with so many foods you should always have a few bottles around. Rosé is no different than White or Red with styles and tastes that depend upon the grape, region, and winemaker.  Begin a Rosé wine journey with these three styles:

Classic Crisp & Light French Styles from Provence:

These light colored dry Rosés go well with simple salads, light pasta, seafood, and fish. Prices range from $12-$25 |  Example: Chateau Miraval Rose 2016

Bolder French Style from Languedoc-Roussillon:

Get to know the Languedoc-Roussillon region for it’s across the board values. Most noteworthy, these Rosés have a deeper color, more ‘oomph’ and work with bolder dishes like grilled chicken, lamb, and medium cheeses. Similar styles can be found from Spain (Rioja).  Example: Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rose 2016

The big stuff – full-bodied and almost red from California and South America (Chile, Argentina):

These are most of all fruit bombs that work well with barbeque, bold cheeses, seafood blackened or with big sauces and duck |  Example: Fayard Wines Azur Rose 2017

What do the experts say about Rosé?

• Ronn Wiegand, Master of Wine and publisher of Restaurant Wine writes: “Rosé fits with the taste and the lifestyle of wine drinkers today. They’re fun and they’re not expensive, … they are truly values compared to other wines, especially in restaurants.”
• “Rosés are some of the easiest wines to like for their fresh, fruity flavors and their crisp appeal. They can match well with a wide variety of Mediterranean cuisines, from roasted fish to poultry.” –Kim Marcus, senior editor, Wine Spectator
• Wine Buy of the Day says you can drink Rosé Wine any time of the year with fish, poultry, Mediterranean dishes and your favorite cheeses.

Look for Billy Joel & P!nk together

Don’t forget to look for Billy Joel & P!nk singing together!   Finally, check our selection of Rosé wines from Provence.  Enjoy the journey.

“It’s all about the wine experience”