Rosé wines are more popular than ever, and there is more choice of styles available now than there has ever been from all over the world. They are extremely versitile and very flexible when it comes to food pairing. Although rosé is consumed all year round, there is no denying that it does taste especially lovely when the sun is shining! Stick around to explore the wonderful, delicious and diverse world of rosé wines and discover our favourites, from the light and delicate styles of Provence to the bold and fruit driven offerings of warmer climes.
Different styles of rosé
Dry
We start our journey with our favourite rosé region, and the home of the best quality dry styles; Provence.
Provence rosé is highly sought after all over the world. This iconic wine region of France is a vast area stretching from the Rhone Valley all the way to the Italian border. The most renowned wine regions of Provence include Aix-en-Provence and Cotes de Provence; all bask in the wonderful climate of Southern France; with it's cool nights, mistral winds and Mediterranean sun. Many Provence vineyards are affected by coastal sea breezes, wonderful soils and wild shrubs such as lavender, rosemary, juniper and thyme which influence the characters of the grapes. They are typically a blend of black grapes including Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. They are pale in colour and have bright red berry fruit character with refreshing acidity.
There's nothing quite like opening a bottle of Provence Rosé to celebrate the Summer! Always serve chilled. Check out our top picks, all of which pair with grilled or roasted vegetable dishes such as ratatouille, salads with fruit, and grilled seafood such as salmon or tuna.
#Lou by Peyrassol Rosé, Provence, France
Figuiere Mediteranee Rosé, Provence, France
Saint Roseline Rosé, Provence, France
Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé, Provence, France
The Languedoc region also has some great value dry rose wines. The vast region is home to a diverse and constantly improving range of wines, with vineyards stretching north from the Spanish border past the cities of Marseille and Montpellier. The last 30 years have seen a drastic turnaround, as competition from keenly priced New World wines forced producers to invest and move away from their traditional approach and focus on innovation and quality. The grape varieties of Picpoul noir, Cinsault, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon help produce variety, while maintaining quality. Why not try:
Domaine de Foncalieu Piquepoul Rosé, Languedoc, France
Domaine de Montmarin ‘Les Oliviers’ Rosé, Languedoc, France
Chateau Puech Haut Argali Rosé, Languedoc, France
The Italian signature style is also of the dry variety. From Pinot Grigio blush to the elegant and silky Mabis Biscardo Rosapasso. 100% Pinot Nero grown on volcanic, rich soils near the Euganei hills in Abano and Barbano in Veneto. The vines are close to 20 years old and produce wines with fragrant and complex aromas of strawberry and cherry. The clean and crisp acidity is refreshing which leads into a long and smooth finish. Serve with smoked salmon, new potatoes and a simple side salad. Perfetto!
Mabis Biscardo Rosapasso, Veneto, Italy
Off-dry
Off-dry styles have a very small amount of sweetness, which softens the acidity and makes them less dry and more fruity. If you enjoy this type, we highly recommend Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé. This off-dry German number is crafted from grapes grown specifically for making rosé wines. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety and the beautiful salmon hue gives way to a light and refreshing wine, with vibrant acidity and bright red fruit flavour. This is a great match for a gammon steak, topped with grilled pineapple if you prefer, and a green salad with a herby dressing and cherry tomatoes.
Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé, Pfalz, Germany
Another delicious Rosé, made in this style is the bold and fruit driven Franschhoek Club House Rosé from South Africa. Named after the legendary Club House at Drakenstein Golf Club and aptly styled for easy social enjoyment. A perfect summer sipper! Salmon coloured with luscious aromas of sweet red berries and cherries tinged with discreet spice. The palate is syructured and balanced with a core of further red summer berry fruit and hints of Turkish Delight. Perfect match for a traditional South African ring of spicy coarse sausage known as a boerewors, grilled over hot coals.
Franschhoek Cellar Club House Rosé, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Medium
Medium styles contain a notable amount of residual sugar and will taste quite sweet. Often the fermentation is stopped early to maintain the sugar in the wine, before it has all fermented and been converted to alcohol. This results in a lower alcohol wine which tastes sweet. The most well-known example of this style is White Zinfandel from California, if you like this popular style, try Compass Point White Zinfandel. Enjoy with aromatic curries, spicy dishes or a summer BBQ.
Compass Point White Zinfandel Rosé, California, USA
When is the best time to drink rosé?
Apart from in the Summer and all year round, it is important to drink rosé wines when they are young and fresh and always serve them nice and chilled. The majority of rosé wines are not intended for further aging, they will not improve in the bottle and should be consumed and enjoyed within a year or two of the vintage. After this, the rosé will lose its delicious primary fruit character and freshness, the colour will also start to turn orange.
For more information or advice on selecting your perfect rosé wines, please get in touch. We’d love to see your rosé snaps on Instagram – be sure to tag us @boncoeurfinewines.
