Photo courtesy: The Guardian
Toes in the sand, the Philippean sun warming your skin, and a cool drink that invites summer fun. Forget the heavy reds and complicated whites – rosé is here to be your sunshine sipper! But behind the pretty pink color, there's a whole world of rosé waiting to be explored. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the delicious world of rosé wine and help you find your perfect summer match!
How Rosé Gets Its Groove On
Unlike its red wine cousins, rosé grapes don't spend their days chilling in a vat with their skins on. Instead, it's all about a quick hello and goodbye. Winemakers use a process called maceration, where the grape juice gets a little skin contact, just enough to pick up some color and flirty flavors. The shorter the contact, the paler and lighter the rosé. It's a balancing act, and skilled winemakers can create a symphony of flavors depending on how long the grape gets to know the skins.
The Princess of Rosés
Provence, in Southern France, is the Princess of rosé. Here, winemakers are like rockstars, crafting light to medium-bodied, dry rosés that burst with fresh fruit flavors of juicy strawberries, cranberries, refreshing watermelon, and a touch of citrus. These rosés are perfect for chilling out with friends and are the perfect companions for food such as grilled seafood or a fresh and crispy salad. A great example is the Les Amandiers Rosé - Château de la Liquière Corail - Côtes de Provence. This beauty has a pale pink color that hints at its delicate nature and a taste that's like a summer fruit explosion. Maybe you want to take it onto the yacht for some luxurious trips?
But rosé isn't just a one-hit wonder! The world offers a whole spectrum of pink perfection. Head to the Loire Valley in France and you'll find Cabernet Franc grapes taking center stage, resulting in a bright pink color and a touch more body. The Rosé de Saignée, Domaine Bernard Baudry’s Chinon Rosé is a great example with notes of red berries with a hint of earthiness – perfect for grilled meats or even lighter cheeses.
Feeling Fancy? Sparkling Rosés with a Touch of Fizz
Want to add some bubbles to your summer fun? Sparkling rosés are here to answer your call! In Champagne, the land of bubbly celebrations, these vibrant wines are crafted using a special method. Three grape varieties play a starring role: Pinot Noir and Meunier, the red guys, and Chardonnay, in the white corner. Champagne Drappier's Rosé de Saignée is a perfect example of a rosé Champagne in its full glory. This stunning beauty offers a stunning salmon color and a bouquet bursting with red berries and light notes of brioche. But the real magic lies in its bubbles, adding a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for an aperitif or celebrating a special occasion with friends.
So, how do they achieve this delightful pink masterpiece in Champagne? Here's where things get interesting. Unlike Provence, where rosé gets its blush from a very brief contact with the grape skins some Champagne houses use a method called "Saignée" (which means "bleeding" in French). In this technique, a portion of the grape juice is removed early from fermenting red wine. This "bleeding" allows for a higher concentration of color, flavor, and tannins to be extracted from the skins, resulting in a fuller-bodied rosé with more depth compared to its Provençal counterparts.
Feeling adventurous? Italy's Puglia region enters the scene with the Trameri Rosé di Primitivo. Here, Primitivo grapes craft a robust rosé offering notes of ripe cherries and plums. The heel of Italy is known for its nutrient-rich soils, guaranteeing the ripeness of the fruit, as cold nights preserve its fresh acidity. Spain adds to the excitement with the Celliers can Suriol - Azimut Brut Rosé, a sparkling rosé fashioned from Monastrell grapes. To attain its exquisite and refined bubbles, the wine underwent fermentation with wild yeasts in concrete vats, followed by maturation for fifteen months in the bottle. During the second fermentation, it acquires a heightened complexity, imparting subtle brioche nuances and achieving its pale and delicate hue. Anticipate a lively pink color and aromas of red fruit with a touch of minerality.
It's All About the Mood
With all these options, how do you pick your perfect summer rosé? Well, it all depends on the vibe! For a light lunch by the beach, a dry Provençal rosé can be the best choice. Grilling some steaks? The Chinon Rosé, with its touch of body, will be a great match. And for a celebratory brunch, a sparkling rosé like Drappier's Saignée adds a touch of elegance. Regardless of the occasion, there is a rosé to enjoy, and if in doubt rosé Champagne is the perfect all-around wine for any occasion and pairs with any food type.