UK | Waitrose has revealed that rosé sales are expected to soar by 150 percent as temperatures reach just 20°C.
With temperatures set to increase, shoppers will be reaching for their favourite bottle. But what’s the preference when it comes to drinking pink?
The hue of a bottle does not necessarily link to its flavour profile. In fact, according to Waitrose, 90 percent of rosé sold is considered ‘dry’ - regardless of whether it’s a deep pink or a pale blush.
Most self-proclaimed connoisseurs might claim they steer toward a lighter, ‘Provence ’-style, to the point of even describing their favourite wine by the colour versus the grape variety, under the impression that this is the only dry option.
The idea that dark equals sweet is a misconception; rosés often appear dark due to the vinification process (the process of converting grapes into wine):
Maceration - which consists of letting the freshly crushed grapes and juice macerate, similar to the process for creating red wine. The longer the juice touches the grape skin, the darker the rosé. The flavour profile ranges from light and fruity to fuller and more complex
Pressing - which consists of slowly pressing the grapes immediately after the harvest, before putting the juice in vats for fermentation. These are generally the palest rosé options, and are sometimes characterised by bright acidity, fruity notes, and delicate floral hints
Saignée - which consists of taking part of the juice intended for the production of red wine a few hours after the start of skin maceration, and letting it ferment separately to create rosé. Often richer, more concentrated, and more vibrant fruit flavours, as well as more tannins
“Provence-style rosé should be enjoyed between 7-10 degrees. To truly enjoy your glass of blush, take your rosé out of the fridge for 20 minutes before drinking (for the red wine drinkers out there, some red wines would benefit from being put in the fridge for 20 minutes before drinking),” said Nicki Hobbs, Rosé Buyer at Waitrose.
“Fuller bodied rosés like the Les Cigalieres Tavel Rose 75cl from Waitrose should be closer to 12-13 degrees before drinking, or you run the risk of flattening the complex flavour of the wine. Some may be considering the arguable cardinal sin: is it ever ok to add ice? The answer is yes, but be warned, the flavour might be slightly dulled.”
For those planning summertime gatherings, it’s worth checking the colour of your rosé when planning your menu. Lighter, Provence-style rosés pair perfectly with salads, seafood, sushi, grilled vegetables and goat's cheese. For those who plan to select a more full-bodied rosé this weekend, it’s worth considering pairing it with some barbecue dishes that have a kick.
