A rosé for all eventualities
There is no question that rosé season is now in full swing! Undoubtedly there are few greater pleasures in the warmer weather than taking a chilled rosé from the fridge and relaxing in the sunshine.
However, there is nothing more disappointing than uncorking that perfectly chilled bottle only to find that what lands in your glass doesn’t match up to your expectations. Like all styles of wine, there are a myriad of rosé options to choose from. We wanted to help you narrow down our selection to ensure that your next delivery includes the right style of rosé wine for you.
We know all too well that the Scottish summer can be fleeting so we feel it is particularly important to make sure that your rosé purchases provide you with exactly the style you are looking for.
With that in mind, we have pieced together a selection of just four bottles that will ensure that you are prepared for any rosé-drinking situation!
Sparkling
If you’re typical wine purchases tend to be split between rosé and Prosecco then this is most definitely the wine for you!
From their base in Prosecco-producing region of Veneto, brothers Massimo and Paolo produce organic wines from a vineyard owned by their family since 1891.
In recent years, regulations have been tightened with regards to production in this region to safe guard the quality of these wines. There is no doubt that those produced by Massimo and Paolo fall well within these new quality controls – an excellent example of the virtues of organic, family-orientated farming in this region often dominated by cooperatives and conglomerates.
As it is made in the Frizzante style, the wine possesses a light, spritzy, semi-sparkling quality. Expect a dry palate and bursting with fresh strawberry notes and refreshing hints of pithy pink grapefruit.
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Extra Brut Cremant Rosé, Domaine Schwach
Fresh, Fruity & Easy Drinking
This category is home to the classic style of Mediterranean rosé that can be enjoyed with or without food.
We believe this example from our friend Floris at Chateau Canet in the South West of France is the perfect example.
Produced using the Syrah variety, the grapes are left in the press for a few hours before pressing begins. This grape maceration gives the juice its notable ‘rosé’ colour as well as its bright, fruit-forward structure. There is no question this wine hits the spot as a perfect, easy-drinking summer rosé with fresh aromas of raspberry and strawberry.
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Crisp, Complex & Food-friendly
Provençal Rosé, Domaine Rimauresq
Over the last decade, producers in the region of Provence in the south of France have revolutionised the rosé market, with their signature style of pale, crisp and complex wines at the forefront.
The rosés of Provence are incredibly versatile, just as delicious for sipping on the patio as they are when paired with fresh salads or grilled fish.
Grape varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre tend to all be involved in the blend used to produce wines that showcase aromas of strawberry, fresh-cut watermelon, and rose petal, finishing with a distinctive, salty minerality on the palate.
This example from Pierre Duffort at Domane Rimauresq is often cited among the best wines of the region. In fact, Pierre has thrice been named among the top winemakers in the country by influential French magazine, Guide Hachette.
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Richer & BBQ-friendly
One of the best attributes of rosé wine is its versatility. This can be of particular benefit when it comes to matching wines with all manner of grilled and BBQ food.
In this instance, wines such as this example from Adi Badenhorst in Swartland can play a key role as they fall in between the extremes of red and white — less intense than a big, tannic, mouth-busting red, but with more depth than a crisp, fresh white. As a result, they can still be extremely refreshing while simultaneously standing-up to the rich umami flavours of a juicy burger.
This is a truly unique rosé made from very old Cinsault and Grenache vines. It is packed with cranberry, redcurrant and a hint of strawberry and cream. A lovely herby tone on the palate too, with real tang and freshness.
