What exactly is rosé? What makes it so amazing and delicious and perfect – not just on a warm spring or summer day, but any day of the year, as well?
A personal favorite of LaDiDa Wine Bar & Bottle Shop, rosé is always available both in our bottle shop and by the glass. So, why, you ask? Because it’s amazing. But here’s a quick review of some good-to-know details about our favorite pink wine that will help you understand just why we love it so very much!
Thanks to its trendy pink hue and rebrand as a day-drinking staple, rosé has seen a surge in popularity over recent years. Although this pink wine has become the go-to summertime drink, it’s actually one of the oldest types of wines ever made.
Rosé is a type of wine made from red wine grapes produced in a similar manner to red wine but with reduced time fermenting with grape skins. This reduced skin contact gives the wine a pink hue and lighter flavor than that of red wine and is produced around the world as it can be made from any red wine grape cultivated in any wine-growing region.
Rosé is typically a blended wine, made from a variety of different wine grapes, and can also be a single varietal wine, made from one type of grape. For example, California is known for rosé wines made from 100% pinot noir grapes. It gets its distinct pink color through a production process known as maceration, the most common way to make pink wine. Red grapes are juiced and left to soak (macerate) with their skins for a day or two until the juice turns a subtle pink color. The grape skins are then removed and the juice continues to ferment. The wine will get darker the longer the rosé is left to macerate with the skins. This is why rosé wines can range in color from pale blush to bright pink. Rosé is not the same as a blush wine, which is a combination of red and white wine.
The epicenter of rosé production is Provence, France, where the majority of the world's rosé is produced. Provençal rosé is known for its dry and delicate taste and light orange-tinted pink color. Provence rosé is typically made from Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, and Syrah grapes, is perceived to be a premium rosé, and therefore commands a higher price. Look for one of the following appellations to find your best Provence rosé:
Côtes de Provence
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
Bandol
Cassis
Coteaux Varois
As far as food is concerned, it’s best to pair rosé with grilled chicken or fish, vegetables, and salads. I prefer to just drink it, especially with a friend!
Rosé production is not limited to Provence, however, and can be made all over the world from California to Italy to Spain. It’s important to try all varietals from all regions to find your favorite! With the number of rosé wines available, the number of regions from which it is made, and its affordable price point, we’re certain you will join us in becoming a fan of this truly amazing wine!
Happy tasting!