As a wine drinker, you might know and even have strong opinions on the differences between the various reds and whites available today. But how often do you venture outside of these two standbys? Somehow, a few enlightened fans aside, we’ve all managed to forget that third category of wine: the rosé. Despite popular misconceptions, there is almost as much diversity of colour, aroma and flavours amongst rosé wines as there are in whites and reds. Ready to get to know pink a little bit better?
Light, fruity and dry.
The classic rosé of the Provence region of Southern France are made primarily from the Grenache grape, while the stylish rosados from Rioja in Spain are typically made from Tempranillo. These wines are light in body and colour, but still full of floral and fruit character.
Fun, fresh and lightly sweet
Soft & Sweet
Staying with the fresh theme, check out White Zinfandel. This style of wine, popularized in the 1970s by Beringer California Collection White Zinfandel, is synonymous with a slightly sweet style of rosé. The Moscato grape also produces ripe and relaxed blush rosé.
Fun, fruity and a little bit spicy.
The normally rich and robust Syrah (aka Shiraz) dons a slightly more feminine pink dress when it takes the rosé route.
Lovingly local.
Rosé loves Nova Scotia’s cooler climate with both Selkie Rosé and Sainte Famille Lost Bell Rosé offering bright, ripe fruit flavours and an undercurrent of exhilarating effervescence. Perfect on their own or matched with our local cuisine.
Rosé with a serious side.
If you want a truly serious rosé, look to producers utilizing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir in the mix. These wines combine the fruit character of the grapes with a rich depth of flavour to the finish.
And remember, a gracious host takes care of the needs of all their guests. So if you have guests who will not be drinking, have a suitable nonalcoholic alternative on hand. Keeping with the pink theme, why not pick up a good quality bottle of sparkling pink grapefruit juice, or make—from scratch, if you can—a batch of pink lemonade.