An Exposé on Rosé: What Makes Our Favorite Pink Drink?
Pretty and delicious!
Although people enjoy drinking Rosé all year round, it seems like this time of year springs everyone into action to think pink! We love this crisp, refreshing wine -- but what is Rosé really?
You may have heard that it’s made from combining red and white wines – it’s not! (Well, some cheaper, lower-quality rosés are made that way but let’s not go there.)
It’s made almost exclusively from red grapes. The grapes are crushed with the skins intact and fermented only for a short period at a lower temperature than traditional reds. After a few hours (with darker grape skins) or a few days (with lighter ones), the skins are removed, and the wine finishes its fermenting process. This process, called maceration, creates a wine with less tannin and much more delicate wine than a true red.
The color and flavor will vary depending on how much time passes before the skins are removed. A Rosé can be light, medium, or dark, and it can be sweet, medium-dry, fruity, or sparkling. It can be a blend or consist of just one grape variety.
Say “Oui, oui!” to Rosé!
The heart of Rosé production is in France, but it can originate just about anywhere around the globe. The Old World rosés from Europe are often dry, whereas the New World varieties sourced outside of Europe are usually more fruity and on the sweeter side. Let’s take a closer look at this luscious, crisp, refreshing wine and some fantastic food pairings.
Most Rosés from France present a clean, fruity taste: these are made from Grenache, Cinsault, or other grape types and go best with salads, fish, and other seafood dishes. They’re delightful when paired with light pasta or spicy cuisines like Thai or Indian.
Medium-bodied Rosés from southern France or Spain play intense flavors such as olives, garlic, anchovies, charcuterie, and grilled chicken.
The darker Syrah Rosés offer hints of strawberry along with pepper notes. Try one – slightly chilled -- with grilled veggies and pasta dishes.
The sweetest pairing.
Pop open a Sparkling Rosé for an extra special treat. These can be dry, medium-dry, or sweet and pair well with fried foods, a rich risotto, feta or creamy goat cheese, burgers, and any chocolate. Try it with chocolate-covered strawberries for a taste of heaven.
Not sure which Rosé to get? Try Boston Winery’s own Bread & Roses. It’s a New World blend of Grenache and Riesling that boasts notes of Strawberry and Raspberry that are complemented with a floral finish!
Be prepared to make it your new favorite!
