Rosé Wine: Sip, Savor, and Get Tickled Pink!

Rosé wine, the delightful and ever-so-pretty libation, is here to tickle your taste buds and add a splash of color to your wine adventures. Don’t let its blushing hue fool you – rosé is not just a summer fling. From traditional styles to surprising twists, this blog post will take you on a journey through the world of rosé, guaranteed to make you fall head over heels for this vibrant vino. This week we are focusing on Old World wines (Europe). Come back next week to read about New World rosé (everywhere else).

Blushing Beauties: Traditional Styles of Rosé

Provence Passion

When it comes to rosé, Provence knows how to make a splash. This sun-kissed region in southern France is the mythic birthplace of rosé, and its wines exude elegance and charm. Picture yourself lounging by the French Riviera, sipping a glass of pale pink goodness.

Provence rosés are known for their delicate color, often resembling a sunset blush. But light in color does not mean light in flavor – these wines pack a punch. They embody summer in a glass with notes of fresh strawberries, delicate herbs like thyme and lavender, and a refreshing hint of citrus.

The bone-dry nature of Provence rosés sets them apart from other styles. They have minimal residual sugar, making them incredibly crisp and refreshing. Pour a Provencal rosé on a sunny afternoon, or pair it with Mediterranean dishes like grilled fish, seafood salads, or herbed chicken.

Ravishing Rhône

Venture a bit further north, and you’ll discover the rosés of the Rhône Valley. This renowned wine region in France is famous for its full-bodied reds and whites, but its rosés are equally enticing.

Rhône rosés are robust and full of flavor. They exhibit a deeper shade of pink, often veering towards salmon or coral. These wines delight the senses with juicy red fruit flavors like ripe strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. Asses more closely, and you might detect a subtle hint of spice and a touch of wildflowers.

The richness and structure of rosés from the Rhône make them versatile food companions. They can handle heartier dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a charcuterie spread. Consider a bottle of Rhône rosé for your next barbecue or picnic.

Discover Hidden Gems: Unveiling Unexplored Rosé Wines

Tavel (Rhône Valley, France)

Tavel, also in the Rhône Valley, is an appellation solely dedicated to rosé production. These wines are known for their intense color, ranging from deep pink to ruby red. Tavel rosés are full-bodied and robust and often showcase flavors of ripe red fruits, herbs, and spices. They have a higher level of tannin, giving them a unique structure. Tavel rosés are excellent companions for grilled pork or chicken, flavorful Mediterranean dishes like roasted barramundi and tomatoes, or a flavorful stew like cioppino.

Rosé d’Anjou (Loire Valley, France)

Rosé d’Anjou hails from the Loire Valley in France, specifically the Anjou region. These wines exhibit a medium-pink color and are often slightly sweeter than other French rosés. Rosé d’Anjou is known for its fruity profile, featuring flavors of red berries, watermelon, and a touch of floral notes. Enjoy it chilled as an aperitif or with lighter dishes like salads, seafood, or soft cheeses like Camembert.

Bandol (Provence, France)

Bandol, a sub-region within Provence, is famous for its distinctive and age-worthy rosés. Made primarily from the Mourvèdre grape, Bandol rosés exhibit a darker, salmon-colo

red hue. These full-bodied, rich, and complex wines showcase flavors of ripe red berries, citrus, and a characteristic mineral undertone. Bandol rosés pair beautifully with grilled lamb chops, Mediterranean dishes like moussaka, and aromatic sheep’s milk cheeses.

Rosado (Spain)

Rosado is produced in many regions across Spain and from various grapes. The color of this style can range from pale pink to deeper shades of ruby. These wines offer a delightful balance of fresh acidity and fruity flavors, with notes of red berries, cherries, and a hint of spice. Enjoy Spanish rosado alongside tapas, grilled seafood, paella (or even a grilled seafood paella)!

Portuguese Rosado

Portugal, known for its rich wine heritage, also produces rosado. These wines showcase the country’s diverse grape varieties and terroirs. Portuguese rosado can vary in style and color, ranging from pale pink vinho verde to deeper shades of ruby from grapes like Baga. Expect notes of red berries, watermelon, pomegranate, and a touch of herbal undertones. Pair these wines with various dishes from the country’s rich food culture, such as grilled sardines, bacalhau (salted cod), seafood rice, or even spicy piri-piri chicken.

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo (Italy)

This is a renowned rosé wine from Italy’s Abruzzo region. Made primarily from the Montepulciano grape, this dry and lively rosé showcases a deep cherry-red color. With flavors of ripe cherries, wild berries, and a touch of floral notes, it offers a refreshing and zesty character. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo pairs well with hearty dishes like lamb and grilled meats, as well as Italian charcuterie and aged cheeses like parmesan and pecorino. It’s a vibrant and versatile wine worth checking out!

Slovenia

Slovenia is nestled in southern Central Europe, it produces intriguing rosé wines focusing on indigenous grape varieties. Slovenian rosés often exhibit a delicate pink color, vibrant acidity, and flavors of wild berries, herbs, and wildflower notes. Pair them with local dishes like pršut (cured ham), freshwater fish, or hearty stews.

Croatia

Croatia is located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe and produces rosé wines, known as rosé or ružica. The region offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean charm and unique grape varieties. Croatian rosés showcase flavors of red fruits, herbs, and a touch of minerality from the coastal regions of Istria and Dalmatia to the inland vineyards. Enjoy them with seafood risottos, grilled fish, or traditional Croatian dishes like Istrian fusi pasta with tomato sauce.

Republic of Georgia

Famous for its ancient winemaking traditions, Georgia also produces fascinating rosé wines. Georgian rosés, crafted from indigenous grape varieties like Saperavi, offer a vibrant and textured palate. These wines often display flavors of red berries, pomegranate, and a hint of spice. Pair Georgian rosé with traditional cheese bread (khachapuri), handmade dumplings (khinkali), or soft cheeses like reblochon.

Lebanon

Lebanon’s wine industry has gained international recognition, and its rosé wines are no exception. Lebanese rosés, produced from grape varieties such as Cinsault and Syrah, offer a captivating blend of fruitiness and elegance. With flavors of red berries, citrus, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs, Lebanese rosés are a fantastic match for mezze like hummus and baba ganoush, shawarma, or aromatic Middle Eastern dishes like kafta or fattoush.

Want to know about New World Rosés? Check out our next post!