The acclaimed singer and actress Kay Thompson stole the show in Funny Face when she encouraged women everywhere to Think Pink! Thompson was referring to a woman’s wardrobe, but she could have just as easily been celebrating the wine of summer or Rosé.
And Thompson’s not alone. Dame Joan Collins took to social media recently to declare Rosé season officially open, calling it sunshine in a glass.
Today’s Rosé, while similar in color to white Zinfandel, is drier and more complex. And it’s big business.
In 2023, the global Rosé wine market was valued at US $3.27 billion. The biggest producers are France, Spain, and the United States.
There are several red grapes that are used to make Rosé. A winemaker can use a single varietal like Pinot Noir or can blend a variety of different grapes.
The color of the wine is determined by how long the juice remains in contact with the grape skins after harvest. When you visit a wine store, you’ll see bottles of Rosé that range in color from very pale pink to dark salmon.
In terms of taste, they are dry, light-bodied wines with strawberry, raspberry, and melon flavors. The darker the color, the bolder, richer, and more savory the wine. Think of jam, herbs, and earthy notes.
Lighter Rosés can be paired with anything from summer salads and a range of cheeses to burgers. Darker hued bottles are comparable to a light red wine. They pair well with shellfish, chicken, pasta with cream sauce, pork, and grilled meats.
There are cheap and cheerful Rosés that you can buy for $20 and under. They are quaffable and best enjoyed in an oversized glass filled with ice.
In France, they are known as Rosé “piscine” or swimming pool Rosé. Target has Yes Way Rosé for exactly that purpose. It’s $14.99.
Rosés priced at $25+ are more interesting and well-rounded. For $33.99 on sale, Target has Rock Angel Rosé, one of my favorites. Most Rosés are made to be drunk young and chilled. Cheers!
Don’t forget to email us your wine questions at winenot.column@gmail.com.
