Rosé Wines

Rosé Wines- Pink is the new red!

Rosé wines could be called the best new trend of this century, certainly the most refreshing. Yes, you guessed it, I love Rosé wines. Fifteen years ago, you were looked at strangely if you served your guests a Rose. Ten years ago, you were considered cool and hip. Today of course Rose wines are accepted more than ever.

A Little Rosé History.

It is believed that Rosé was one of the first, if not the first, style of wine made dating back 2,500 years to the Greeks and Romans. It wasn’t really until “pale Clarets” starting appearing from Bordeaux that ‘Rosé’ style wines were even mentioned.

After World War II two Portuguese producers, Mateus and Lancers released sweet, slightly sparkling rosés to the European and American markets. They both went on to set sales records and inspired the “White Zinfandel” trend of the mid 70’s onwards.

The European markets drifted towards a drier style Rosé whilst the US Markets still cling to the sweeter “blush” style like White Zinfandel, although that trend is changing. 

Probably due to the climate and the cuisine of Provence, the lighter, drier style of wine flourished. The rest of France, as well as the world soon caught on and Rosé began appearing from winemakers all over the world, made from dozens of different grape varietals.

Rosé is grown all over the world from more varietal’s

than people care to keep track of but it is fair to say when

it comes to Rosé, Provence is Queen!!

With one exception, all juice from grapes is ‘clear’ or more accurately a pale straw color. The red color in wine comes from skin contact from as the juice is left in contact with the skins and can last from a few hours to a few days in the case of Rosé, up to 28 days. The longer the skin contact the bigger, bolder and more tannic the wine is. The myth that Rosé wines are a blend of white and red wines is just that, a myth and is actually forbidden by law in France, except for Champagne.

When it comes to style and flavor profile some generalizations can be made- French, and more specifically Province Rosé are more on the delicate side with US Rosé tending to be bolder, the same can also be said for Italian, Australian and New Zealand.  

Flavor profiles are determined by the grape varietals used. The bottom line is, experiment, enjoy, and if you think Rosé are a summer wine only think again. By the way, don’t ignore Rosé Champagnes/Bubbles (a little political correctness)