Written by Holly Townsend (IALH Editor)
Image by Wine is Passion
Rosé has truly become white wine’s summertime younger but ambitious sister: its crisp, refreshing and goes exceptionally well with all the foods and dishes we enjoy. It has become a Lifestyle, hun. It also looks the prettiest in a glass! Rosé incorporates some if its colour from the grape skins, but not enough to qualify it as a red wine. As the saying goes, not all rosés are made equal and they’re certainly not all the same colour, depending on the grape variety and method of production you can get a pale, barely pink glass of rosé or a brighter, deeper pink. Traditionally rosé from Provence is considered the best, but Spain and Italy are giving the South-eastern wine capital of France a run for it’s money when it comes to rosés and what shade it should be. Let us give you a few suggestions for the next time your wine stash is running a little low…
Miraval Côtes De Provence Rosé
This French wine from Château Miraval is fresh and elegant, with flavours of redcurrant and citrus. It’s previously been named named the best rosé in the world and it’s easy to see why.
Tastes best lightly chilled and not super cold, as an aperitif, or will match with many summer dishes including fish, vegetables and salads.
The winery it is produced in used to be owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie!
Gérard Bertrand ‘Côte des Roses’ Rosé
Ripe summer fruit flavours of redcurrant, roses and grapefruit are balanced out by a real freshness, this rosé is such a treat.
It comes in a beautiful bottle, designed to look like a rose, making it a great gift if you can resist drinking it yourself. It’ll match well with white fish and fresh salads.
Made in Languedoc, the rosé uses 3 different grapes: Cinsault, Garnacha and Syrah.
Whispering Angel Château d’Esclans
Whispering Angel has been credited with starting the rosé ‘trend’. It’s the world’s most popular rosé and it really is a bottle of luxury.
It’s crisp and dry so not one for desserts but perfect with a brunch or salad lunch.
Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Vermentino grapes, the rosé is zesty. Best served chilled!
Paso-Primero Somontano Rosado
This Spanish rosé is bold in every way, colour and taste. See what we said about shades! It’s dark and full-bodied for a rosé but still perfect for a warm summer BBQ.
With plenty of soft and ripe red fruits (strawberries and redcurrants come to mind) it’s fine to drink on its own, given it’s so full of flavour.
Unsurprisingly, made from the red wine grape, Merlot – hence the deep pink!
