Accent on various Rosés from France, Spain, the United States and Italy
Imagine yourself in a charming outdoor café on a warm summer evening, with a glass of refreshing rosé wine in hand. The delicate pink hue complements the fading sunlight, alluring you to take a sip and enjoy its vibrant flavours.
Rosé, with its versatility and ability to elevate any occasion, has become a beloved choice for wine enthusiasts worldwide. In this post, we will explore different styles of rosé wines and delve into the art of pairing them with cuisines from different corners of the globe.
Provence Rosé: A Timeless Classic
Hailing from the sun-kissed vineyards of Southern France, Provence rosé is known for its pale pink colour and delicate aromas of fresh fruits and flowers. The area that is known today as “Provence” was known by the Romans as “Provincia Nostra,” which means our province. Provence’s roses crisp acidity and subtle mineral notes make them perfect companion for light, delicate dishes.
Provence AOC rosé wines can be distinguished by their palette of light colours with shades of pink or orange. The fruit flavours include peach, melon, lychee, mango, pomelo, raspberry, apricot, mandarin and redcurrant. Try pairing a chilled glass of Provence rosé with a classic Niçoise salad or a plate of Mediterranean grilled vegetables. The wine's elegance and refreshing character beautifully complement the flavors of these dishes, creating a harmonious and memorable dining experience.
Provence roses hail from three major appellations: Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, Côtes de Provence and Bandol. These pale pink wines are made are from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and sometimes Mourvèdre. They are reminiscent of red-currant fruits with a hint of pepper and garrigue and often bring to mind summer vacations.
Spanish Rosado: Vibrant and Expressive
Continuing on to the Iberian Peninsula, we encounter Spanish rosado wines, known for their vibrant hues and expressive personalities. These wines often feature bolder fruit flavours, with notes of ripe strawberries and red cherries. Spanish rosado's versatility allows it to pair well with an array of cuisines.
For a tasty combination, sip a glass of Spanish rosado with traditional tapas such as patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), or grilled chorizo. The wine's fruity intensity and balanced acidity complement the bold flavours of these Spanish delicacies, creating a lively and festive experience.
In Spain, great appellations yielding rose wines are Navarra Campo de Borja, cataluna, Somontano and Rioja. Most Spanish rosados are made from blends with Garnacha and other grapes such as tempranillo. Garnacha Rosado is made from carbonic maceration in order to showcase those bright fruit flavours. Regions that made the most Garnacha Rosado in 2018 included Campo de Borja (12,283 hl), Somontano (6,631 hl) and Cariñena (6,140 hl).
American Rosé: Bold and Fruit-Forward
In the New World, we find ourselves exploring the heterogeneous universe of American rosé wines. From the sun-soaked vineyards of California to the rolling hills of Oregon, American rosé offers a wide array of styles and flavours. These wines often exhibit a bolder, fruit-forward profile, with ripe berry flavours and a touch of sweetness.
When it comes to pairing American rosé, consider dishes with a touch of spice. Barbecue chicken, grilled salmon, or even spicy Thai dishes can be elevated by the fruity sweetness of American rose. The combination of bold flavours and a hint of sweetness creates a tantalizing dance on the palate.
American rose is made with a gamut of grapes that go from Pinot Noir to Sangiovese and Grenache. Newcomers to American Rose must try the Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare. The iconic Californian rose is the brainchild of Randal Graham. This renegade winemaker was known for championing Rhône varietals in California.
Italian Rosato: A Taste of La Dolce Vita
Italy, a country synonymous with gastronomy, presents us with the delightful world of Italian Rosato. These wines showcase a wide range of styles, from the delicate and dry to the slightly effervescent and semi-sweet.
Italian Rosato often exhibits flavours of wild berries, citrus, and herbs, reflecting the diverse terroirs across the country. When indulging in Italian cuisine, consider pairing a glass of Rosato with classic antipasti such as bruschetta, prosciutto, or fresh mozzarella. The wine's crisp acidity and vibrant flavours harmonize with the salty and savoury elements of these dishes, transporting you to the heart of Italy with every bite.
In the Alto Adige/Südtirol, a rose Lagrein wine is a Kretzer, while on the southern shores of Lake Garda, a rosé is a Chiaretto; in Abruzzo, it is known as Cerasuolo. Abruzzo's Cerasuolo, more akin to a a light red wine, is the most famous wine in Abruzzo. It is made from the Montepulciano grape where the grapes are left in contact with its must for a period of 36-48 hours.
Cerasuolo pairs with most pasta dishes, poultry and especially seafood on the grill. In addition, less well-known, are the roses from Puglia. The region boasts a rose production dating more than 75 years.
Celebrating the Diversity of Rose Wines
The world of rosé wine offers a plethora of styles, each with its own unique characteristics. From the elegant and pale rosés of Provence to the bold and fruit-forward American offerings, there is a rosé for every palate and every occasion. When it comes to pairing rosé with cuisine, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you're enjoying Mediterranean flavours, Spanish tapas, American barbecue, or Italian delicacies, rosé has the ability to enhance and elevate your dining experience. So, the next time you raise a glass of this beautiful pink elixir, take a moment to appreciate the harmony between the wine and the food and savour the delightful union of flavours that only rosé can offer.
Cheers to the joy of rosé and its ability to transport us to sunny terraces and blissful summer evenings!
References
1. Bell, words: Emily. 2016. “13 Things You Didn’t Know about Provençal Rosé.” VinePair. May 18, 2016. 2. “The Ultimate Guide to French Rosé, Organized by Region | Wine Enthusiast.” n.d. Www.wineenthusiast.com.
3. “Tasting Rosé.” n.d. Vins de Provence.
4. MW, Natasha Hughes. 2020. “Spanish Rosados - Discover Spain’s Innovative Rosés.” Decanter.
5. “Summer’s Best Kept Secret: European Garnacha Rosado and Grenache Rosé.” 2019. Garnacha - Grenache.
6. McIntyre, Dave. 2022. “Perspective | American Rosé, Once Scorned, Just Keeps Getting Better and Better.” Washington Post.
7. “The Most Popular Wine in Abruzzo Is a Rosé | Wine Enthusiast.” n.d. Www.wineenthusiast.com.