Warmer weather means many things, but most importantly – pink wine! Rosé wine has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years. The trend does not seem to be stopping. In the U.S. we’ve seen sales growing in excess of 40% per year.
As we continue to live at the recommended social distance from each other, rosé is an easy, carefree wine to turn to for reminiscing about picnicking, sitting poolside, or vacations at the beach. Today, it’s perfect for family dinners outside on the patio, and it brightens up spring foods. People love the simplicity, fun-loving character, and unpretentiousness of rosé wine. Not only delicious, the color is gorgeous and looks amazing on Instagram!
But, what is rosé? Simply put, it’s a wine that does not finish fermenting on the skins. Orange wine, on the other hand, is a white wine that does finish fermenting on the grape skins. It may look pink-orange colored, like Ramato Pinot Grigio from Italy, but it is not a rosé.
Rosé is made either by short maceration or direct press techniques. A short maceration – contact of skin and juice - can last from a few hours up to several days. The longer the maceration time, the more color, tannin, and flavor is extracted. The juice is then drained from the skins and pressed. After that, it’s fermented like a white wine. This technique produces rosé wines with a deeper, richer color. The method is used in traditional Spanish rosato styles and the rosés of Tavel in the Southern Rhone Valley. These wines are dry and offer pronounced flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and herbs.
Direct pressing, on the other hand, makes some of the palest-colored rosés and is most commonly found in Provence. Black grapes, like Grenache, are gently pressed while using inert gas to suppress oxygen exposure, thus preserving the fruity character and elegant pale color.
Provence is the iconic home of rosé wines. This region has become synonymous with salmon-colored rosé made from Cinsaut and Grenache grapes. It’s a fresh style of wine that is emulated all around the world.
Since Provence is seen as the benchmark and has done a such a great job in their marketing and quality efforts, other classic French rosé regions are starting to mimic the style. Tavel traditionally produces a darker-colored rosé, and some producers have started to make pale Provençal styles to help boost sales. Tavel rosé was once considered the best pink wine in the world and is very well suited for food pairing.
Rosé from around the world should be explored and enjoyed year-round, not just in the warmer months. Discover these hand-pick selections of the most stunning and delightful pink wines from across the color spectrum.
2019 Arrumaco Garnacha Rosé 750ml $5.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Viura. It is clean and bright with aromas of fresh strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and pomegranate. Hints of watermelon on the finish make this an ideal pairing with marinated watermelon salad with feta cheese and mint.
2021 Terre de Mistral Rosalie Provence Rosé $23.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
This stunning rosé is perfumed with hints of red berries, rosé petal, and violet. It has juicy, refreshing acidity with a smooth texture. Pair with salty potato chips, chicken fingers, or anything fried.
La Tordera Cuvee di Gabry Spumante Extra Dry Rosato, Veneto, Italy $14.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
A blend of Merlot and Incrocio Manzoni, an indigenous grape from the region, this is a delightful sparkler from the Veneto. Offering bold, tropical fruit flavors, it has a lovely, slightly off-dry finish, with a hint of lemon and clementine citrus. Pair with strawberry sorbet.
NV Demiere Romantyc Manon Rose Brut $49.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
Go ahead and splurge a little on pink Champagne. Delicate with pronounced aromas of red berries, dragon fruit, rhubarb, and toasted brioche. A hint of savory spice and cinnamon on the finish.
Discover springtime pink wines and more by ordering online at cellar.com.
Elyse is the Vice President of Schneider’s. Call her at 202-543-9300 or visit cellar.com to schedule a curbside pick up or a safe no-contact home delivery.
