WINE TO DINE
words DEAN EUDEN
It’s true to say that rosé sits comfortably in the summer
season; the lighter style of province, with a bone dry finish
and delicate red fruit nose conjure up hot days sitting by the
pool. The delicate red fruit flavours and fresh acidity of many
rosé wines make them a great foil for the repressive heat of a
British summer (written with not a hint of sarcasm).
Rosé wine can be a great food wine and will match a wide
variety of dishes, the most obvious being salad, particularly
something like a Nicoise with lots of elements. In general a
very fresh and light dish is going to match a dryer style rosé.
Rosé wine, however, can offer much more to a variety of
dishes. Try a richer style with Paella or Tapas dishes...a deep
Spanish rosé with albondigas (Pork meatballs) is a seriously
good combo and the same wine can easily match the glorious
flavours and fat content of charcuterie plates. Delicate curries
work really well with off-dry rosé as do Asian seafood dishes...I
urge you to experiment and discover the possibilities.
Most commonly made by keeping the grape juice in contact
with the skins for a very short period of time (between a
couple of hours and a day for most) to extract a delicate pink
hue, rosé wines are as a general rule best consumed young
and don’t age particularly well. Here are a few styles available
from Fine Wines Direct UK that are definitely worth trying.
SANTA DIGNA CABERNET ROSE
£8.99
Concentrated and powerful aroma of plums and
strawberries with subtle notes of grapefruit. A
full-flavoured wine with a delicate acidity. Try with
delicately spiced dishes.
CHATEAU DU SEUIL BORDEAUX ROSÉ
£10.49
Made using Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet
Franc. A slightly richer rosé with good purity of fruit
that matches well with food at any time of the year.
MARQUES DE CACERES ROSADO
£7.99
A dry rose from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes.
Vibrant on the palate with delicious raspberry and
strawberry notes and fresh acidity, try with tapas
dishes.
Fine Wines Direct UK, 242 Penarth Road,
Cardiff, CF11 8TU
+44 (0)29 2078 7500
www.finewinesdirectuk.com/