4 European rosé wines to try this summer
Toes in the sand, the sun warming your skin, and a cool drink that invites summer fun. Forget the heavy reds and complicated whites – rosé is here to be your sunshine sipper! But behind the pretty pink color, there's a whole world of rosé waiting to be explored. Buckle up, beach bunnies, because we're about to dive into the delicious world of rosé and help you find your perfect summer match!
How Rosé Gets its Groove On
Unlike its red wine cousins, rosé must doesn't spend its days chilling in a vat with its skins. Instead, it's all about a quick hello and goodbye.
Winemakers use a process called maceration, where, after crushing, the grape juice stays in contact with the grape skins. This lasts just enough to pick up some color and flirty flavors. The shorter the contact, the paler and lighter the rosé. It's a balancing act, and skilled winemakers can create a symphony of flavors depending on how long the juice gets to know the skins.
The Princess of Rosés
Provence, in Southern France, is basically the Princess of rosé. Here, winemakers are like rockstars, crafting light to medium-bodied, dry rosés that burst with fresh fruit flavors of juicy strawberries, cranberries, refreshing watermelon, and a touch of citrus. These rosés are perfect for chilling out with friends and lighter fare like grilled seafood or a vibrant salad.
A great example is the Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé. This beauty has a pale pink color that hints at its delicate nature and a taste that's like a summer fruit explosion. Maybe you want to take it onto the yacht for some luxurious trips?
French Rosé beyond Provence
But rosé isn't just a one-hit wonder! The world offers a whole spectrum of pink perfection. Head to the Loire Valley in France and you'll find Cabernet Franc grapes taking center stage, resulting in a bright pink colour and a touch more body.
The Rosé de Saignée, Domaine Bernard Baudry - Chinon Rosé is a great example with notes of red berries with a hint of earthiness. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats or lighter cheeses.
Feeling Fancy? Try Bubbly Rosés
Want to add some bubbles to your summer fun? Sparkling rosés are here to answer your call! In Champagne, the land of bubbly celebrations, these vibrant wines are crafted using a special method. Three grape varieties play a starring role: Pinot Noir and Meunier, the red guys, and Chardonnay, in the white corner.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne is a perfect example of a Champagne rosé. This beauty offers a stunning salmon color and a bouquet bursting with red berries and light notes of brioche. But the real magic lies in its bubbles, adding a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for an aperitif or celebrating a special occasion with friends.
So, how do they achieve this delightful pink masterpiece in Champagne? Here's where things get interesting. Unlike Provence, where rosé gets its blush from a quick skin contact, some Champagne houses use a method called "Saignée" (which means "bleeding" in French).
In this technique, a portion of the grape juice is removed early from fermenting red wine. This "bleeding" allows for a higher concentration of color, flavor, and tannins to be extracted from the skins, resulting in a fuller-bodied rosé with more depth compared to its Provençal counterparts.
Feeling adventurous? Italian Rosé takes centerstage
Italy's Puglia region throws its hat in the ring with the Trameri Rosé di Primitivo. Here, Primitivo grapes create a bolder rosé with notes of ripe cherries and plums. Spain joins the party with the Celliers can Suriol - Azimut Brut Rosé, a sparkling rosé made with Monastrell grapes. Expect a vibrant pink color and aromas of red fruit with a hint of minerality.
It's All About the Mood
So, with all these options, how do you pick your perfect summer rosé? Well, it all depends on the vibe!
For a light lunch by the beach, a dry Provençal rosé can be the best choice. Grilling some steaks? The Chinon Rosé with its fuller body will be a great match. And for a celebratory brunch, a sparkling rosé like Billecart-Salmon adds a touch of elegance.
Peter Douglas
