Beware, not all rosés are created equal and the styles vary vastly because of differences among producers and region. Climate, grape varietals used, production techniques, and the winemaker’s hand all play a part in the final juice blend. There are different ways winemakers can transform their beloved grapes to reveal their finished product. Regardless of the method used, the desired final outcome is generally a dry but fruity, crisp but powerful, and fun but complex wine, which many of us seek out this time of year. And to those of you that haven’t gotten on this bandwagon quite yet, it’s time! The beauty of rosé is that it is a great compromise among all wine lovers. On one side, it’s a reasonable transition for red wine “swirlers” that want something a little bit more refreshing but still not as crisp or light as a white. And you white wine “sippers” out there can be sure that you’ll still get a fresh and fruit forward wine, with just a bit more body and depth of flavor that rarely disappoints even the most skeptical consumers.
So how do I pick the right rosé when there are so many to choose from? The best way to start is to think of the grapes that are used in the final product and where they come from. One of the most famed regions is from the southeast region of France known as Provence. Known for its pale salmon color, the typical rosé from this region is going to be light, crisp, and high in acid. This is the perfect rosé for the “sippers”. If Provence grapes are not available, check out the Loire region of France, or even certain producers from Oregon. And for something a bit more full bodied for our “swirlers”? Try a good valued rosé from Spain. These tend to be richer in all respects: deeper color, fuller flavor, more tannin, and less acid. No rosé from the Spain on the shelf? Look for options of deeper colored rosés from the Southern Rhone region of California or even South America.
So whatever adventure awaits you this summer, whether near or far, grab your straw basket filled with flip flops, sun hats and crusty bread, and celebrate summer with a pair of wine glasses nestled next to your perfectly chilled bottle of rosé… and sip and swirl away!
Road trip! Provence, France anyone? Wait, you have to work? You really have no on that can look after your kids? What do you mean your passport expired? Well, looks like we have no choice but to bring Provence to you! With summer finally at our doorsteps, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors, take a break from the daily grind to travel far or near, and sip on the wine that just screams summer. Rosé has come a long way in recent years. It was previously written off as a toxically sweet and awkwardly fruity wine due to the mass production of white zinfandel (that’s really pink) served in the oh so handy fridge box. However, due to an increase in the curious and educated consumer, along with perseverance of producers, Rosé is finally recognized as the beloved dry summer sipper it deserves to be.