Who doesn’t love rosé?
Who doesn’t love rosé?
Who doesn’t love rosé?
BUBBBLING WORLD OF ROSE
The world of bubbles continues to sparkle – the rising star of 2021 was rosé Prosecco. Prosecco DOC Rosé is a new designation that the European Union officially approved at the end of 2020.
The standard requires that at least 85% of the wine be made from Glera grapes, while 15% can be Pinot Noir.
In terms of taste, the new Prosecco doesn’t differ much from the familiar one – it still has bubbles and freshness.
However, it also presents new floral and fruity flavors, with a hint of light summer berries and a fresh aroma. Just like classic Prosecco, the rosé version is a great companion for a picnic with friends and an excellent light drink before meals to awaken your taste buds. It pairs wonderfully with fish, cheese, and finger foods, but also goes well with bacon, ham, and cold cuts.
PROVENCE DRY ROSÉ
When thinking of Provence, the image of lavender fields, the Mediterranean, Saint-Tropez, and, of course, rosé wine comes to mind. The mature rosé wines from this region are a class of their own – they carry the coolness of the soil and the moist freshness of the Mediterranean, with a long and unforgettable aftertaste.
The rosé wines from Provence reached unprecedented heights thanks to Château Gassier. Five years ago, the winery replaced its production equipment, allowing for better preservation of the fruit’s aroma during pressing. Winemaker Guillaume Cordonis made this house’s rosé world-famous by giving it an elegant dryness, perfect structure, and captivating fruitiness.
Another winery that has contributed to the rosé revival is Châteaud’Esclans, purchased by Sasha Lichin in 2006 – a man considered a modern-day innovator and modernizer of the wine world. His vision was grand – to create the world’s best rosé. This vision was supported by winemaker Patrick Leon, and by using modern technologies, they gave rosé entirely new characteristics.
ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
Instagram has been taken over by a shade known as millennial pink. It has replaced the traditional white dress code, with models wearing it on the pink carpet in lavender fields, and even coloring their hair in this shade. Rosé champagne has become a favorite drink for the new generation of gastronomy enthusiasts and influencers, both before and during meals. Rosé champagne is simply great – with a balanced taste, delicacy, and perfect harmony with food.
Rosé champagne is not a new phenomenon – the first was introduced to the market in 1775 by the Veuve Clicquot house. However, it remained in the shadows for many years, as it was considered too feminine and only suitable for a romantic evening. Now, as millennial-born children have embraced pink worldwide, some even dare to call it masculine. Not only because men order it with enthusiasm, but also because rosé champagne is a safe choice, as it pairs with a wide variety of gastronomic challenges.
Rosé sparkling wines are an interesting topic. There are several reasons why they differ – much like white and red wines. However, rosé wines have their own style – one in Italy, another in France, light or full-bodied, acidic or sweet.
One of my most memorable experiences was a recent trip to Provence, to the Château Gassier house in St. Victorie. What a beautiful place! Perhaps it was the location that increased my desire to enjoy rosé wine over and over again, without hesitation, discussing it during a fun wine tasting. Although the wines from this house are typical of this region and their flavor profiles resemble many others from the area, some things stood out to me. First, the biodynamic approach to the vineyards, a different perspective on obtaining color, and the wine’s minerality and nervousness. Secondly, the potential for the wine to improve over a few years – after some time, it becomes a completely different wine compared to when it’s fresh.
To highlight and demonstrate how fascinating rosé wines can be, I recommend people compare just two wines from a very accessible price range – I would even call them classics. That’s enough to understand how wide the range of rosé wines can be – compare a sunny Provence rosé with a Rhône Valley Tavel. One is perfect for garden parties, the other for a rich meat dish. Hallelujah!
As a wine expert, I really enjoy experimenting and pairing these wines with food – it’s always fascinating to discover how wine can complement a specific aspect of a dish. Personally, one of the most enjoyable moments in my work is finding an unexpected pairing of food and wine. And, honestly, right now, I have a few dishes that pair best with rosé wines and champagnes.
Speaking of seasonality, it’s worth noting that rosé wines are still mostly enjoyed in the spring and summer seasons. I don’t think this will ever change globally, as rosé wine somehow associates with summer. However, I increasingly see the trend in restaurants to offer rosé as a glass option even in winter. This is definitely the right approach because this drink pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes.
