Whether is pink, rosato (Italy) or
rosado (Spain), all these terms refer to one – Rose wine. Summer is
the best time of the year to enjoy the freshness of this wine. Even
it's one of the top food-friendly wines available, sometimes you
don't need food to enjoy this wine, as it's rich
enough to be drinking alone. The Rose shade can range from a
subtle, soft to a hot, vibrant Rose depending on the grape used and
the time required for grape skins to be in contact with the juice.
Rose wines can be made in a bone-dry, off-dry or sweet style. Similar
to red and white wines, Rose wine has its own style, taste and aroma.
How Does a Rose Wine Get Its Colour?
Most of the red wines are made from red
grape varietal. These varietals usually include: Shiraz, Pinot Noir,
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, to name few. They may be used alone or in
a mix. Aside from red, Rose wines can also be made from white grape
varietal. The varietals used in producing Rose will impart the unique
aromas, colours and Rose
wine flavours.
A certain wine, to achieve its colour
as well as its tannins, structure and body, it needs to be left in
contact with the grape skins for a certain period of time. This
process is known as maceration. It is the same procedure with Rose
wines, but with one major difference. Rose wines have a limited
amount of time in contact with the skins, usually not more than 72
hours. Enough to give Rose wine flavours and desired colours.
Flavour Profile of Rose Wine
Rose wine flavours tend to be more
delicate versions compared to their red wine varietal counterparts.
The fruit expectations lean towards cherry, raspberry
and strawberry with some watermelon and citrus
presenting on a regular basis.
When to Drink Pink?
Rose wines are perfect choice for
spring and summer time and are definitely on the top of the list for
food-friendly wines available. Rose can handle great both, the steak
and the seafood. It is also a great picnic wine, as it tends to have
both more delicate flavours and lighter body, presenting a great wine
accompaniment for a roast beef, chicken or ham sandwich, along with a
egg, potato or fruit salad and can even handle different chips and
dips. Rose wines are also perfect choice for a hod dogs, tackling
hamburgers, backyard barbecue and even French fries and ketchup.