Every spring, when customers see our extensive rosé display, they ask the same question: "Is rosé back in fashion this year?" As far as we're concerned, rosé has never been out. However, rosé is the wine that's most seasonal. As soon as the sun comes out and the temperature warms up, demand for rosé picks up again.
IS ROSE BACK 'IN' THIS YEAR?
Light-colored rosé has been trendy for years. This color probably evokes a sultry summer evening on a terrace in a southern French seaside resort. People often think the darker the wine, the sweeter it is, but that's a misconception. A dry, darker-colored rosé pairs well with food. That's why we've seen increasing demand for this "food rosé" in recent years.
But where do these color and flavor differences come from? There are white grapes for white wine and blue grapes for red wine. But is there also a pink grape for rosé? Yes and no. There is a light pink grape, Pinot Gris. And yes, it makes delicious rosé. But rosé is primarily made from blue grapes. The light color is achieved by briefly holding the juice in contact with the skins after pressing. The juice inside the grape is colorless. Once there is enough color, the juice is separated from the skins and fermentation can begin. With red wine, this can take weeks, with rosé sometimes just eight hours.
Officially, except in Champagne, it's not permitted to blend white and red grapes to create a rosé. However, white and red grapes may be fermented simultaneously. A rosé is usually a blend of various grapes. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Pinot Noir are some of the most commonly used. The hallmark of a good rosé is its fresh character, and it's best enjoyed young. However, rosés are also made that can be aged for a while. Bandol from Provence is a good example, made primarily from Mourvèdre, which gives the wine a fuller character. This rosé is the ideal accompaniment to a summer barbecue.
We have several new additions for the summer of 2019. But we've also brought back some of our favorites from past summers. Our newest addition, Gris de Seigneur 2018 , comes from Provence. For €6.95, you can enjoy a deliciously fresh and fruity glass of rosé as an aperitif wine, perfect with lunch.
Our own €8.95 Well of Wine Grenache from Languedoc is our absolute best-selling rosé every year. Our own Well of Wine label is characterized by wines with a fresh character, pure flavor, and that are just as good as a Provence rosé.
The warm 2018 was evident in the 2018 Château de L'Escarelle Palm rosé from Provence for €12.50. It debuted last year. The beautiful magnums of this wine sold like hotcakes. This is what you expect from a good Provence rosé: subtle, fresh, yet juicy.
Domaine de l'Olivette 2017, Bandol. The powerful Mourvèdre gives this wine a rich color, aroma, and flavor. Red fruit and the familiar Provençal spice notes. A full-bodied rosé with plenty of length. Our tip this year as an ideal meal accompaniment for €15.95.
