What is Rose?
Believe it or not, rosé might be the champ (transistor word for champion/oldest) of all wines. That's because making it's a breeze – just some skin contact with the grapes and voila! The color can range from a pale “onionskin” orange to a vibrant near-purple, depending on the grape varietals and the winemaker's tricks.
Rosé wine is a type of wine that is made from red grapes, but the skins are only allowed to contact the juice for a short period of time. This gives the wine its characteristic pink color, but is not as full-bodied as a red wine. These pink wines can range in color from pale pink to deep pink, depending on the length of skin contact and the type of grapes used.
Rosé wines can be made in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet, and can be enjoyed on their own or with food. These wines are typically light-bodied and refreshing, with flavors of red fruits, citrus, and flowers. They are often served chilled and can be enjoyed as an aperitif, with light meals, or on their own.
How is Rose produced?
There are three major ways to produce rosé wine: skin contact, saignée, and blending. People make rosé wines in a variety of styles, including still, semi-sparkling, and sparkling. They also come in a wide range of sweetness levels, from highly dry Provençal rosé to sweet White Zinfandels and blushes. Others make rosé wines from a variety of grapes, including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, and Pinot Noir. These wines can be found all over the world, from France to Spain to Italy to the United States.
People produce rosé wine using the skin contact method, which involves crushing black-skinned grapes and allowing the skins to remain in contact with the juice for a short period, typically two to twenty hours. This gives the wine its pink color and flavor. The flavor of rosé wine can vary depending on the grape variety used, the length of skin contact, and the winemaking techniques. However, rosé wines typically have a light, fruity flavor with hints of red berries, citrus, and melon. They are often refreshing and easy to drink, making them a popular choice for summer days.
Common types of rosé wine
- Provence rosé: This is the most famous type of rosé wine, and is made in the Provence region of France. Provence rosés are typically dry and have a light, fruity flavor.
- Spanish rosé: Spanish rosés are typically made from Garnacha grapes, and can be either dry or sweet. They often have a more intense flavor than Provence rosés.
- Italian rosé: Italian rosés are typically made from Sangiovese grapes, and can be either dry or sweet. They often have a savory flavor, with notes of tomato and herbs.
- California rosé: California rosés are typically made from Zinfandel grapes, and can be either dry or sweet. They often have a fruity flavor, with notes of strawberry and watermelon.
Common red grapes used to make rosé
- Grenache
- Sangiovese
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
- Carignan
- Cinsault
- Pinot Noir
Benefits of drinking rosé wine
- Rosé wine is a good source of antioxidants, which protects your cells from damage.
- Rosé wine is low in calories and fat which makes it a healthy choice for those watching their weight.
- Rosé wine improves heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Rosé wine boosts your mood and reduces stress levels.
Food pairings that go well with rosé
- Seafood: Rosé wine is a great pairing for seafood, as it can help to cut through the richness of the fish. Try pairing a dry rosé with grilled salmon or shrimp.
- Chicken: Rosé wine can also be paired with chicken, as it can help to bring out the flavor of the meat. Try pairing a medium-bodied rosé with grilled chicken or roasted chicken.
- Salads: Rosé wine is a great pairing for salads, as it can help to balance out the acidity of the greens. Try pairing a dry rosé with a simple salad of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Rosé wines aren't just a thing – they're a global phenomenon, especially beloved in France, Spain, Italy, and the US. This pink drink isn't picky – enjoy it solo or pair it with food for a delightful combo. The beauty of rosé is its versatility. Some folks love it for its light and refreshing taste, making it a perfect summer sipper. Others love how it plays well with others seafood, chicken, salads, you name it! Rosés are a shoo-in for lighter meals, bringing out the best in salads, seafood, and grilled meats.