How to Choose the Right Rosé
June 12th is Rosé day! This holiday falls on the Second Saturday of June each year, and we're big fans! Rosé wine is on the ascendance, and with good reason. Rosé can be just as sophisticated and refined as red and white wines, with astonishing variety and delicious complexity. Whether you prefer bold or delicate, aromatic or fruit-forward, dry or sweet, there’s a blushing bottle with your name on it. Once you find one you like, another world is opened up to you.
Why is it pink?
There’s actually a couple possible answers! Though it's a popular assumption, rosé isn't made by mixing red and white wines together. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it is possible to make light wines—even white wines—out of purple grapes. The coloration of wine comes from the skins of the grapes, so if the skins are removed before pressing, the product has no red hue. Rosés are crafted from same grapes used in making red wines. In the most popular method, the winemaker leaves the juice in contact with the skins until the desired color is achieved, then strains off the skins. This is the case for both our Rosé of Nebbiolo (100% Nebbiolo) as well as our brand-new 2020 Salute Rosé (100% Sangiovese).
Why is it young?
Darker red wines take time to age and settle into their tannins. Rosé wines, in contrast, are made to capitalize on the delicate aromas and fresh, fruity flavors of their varietals. This is best captured by fermenting the wine at a lower temperature and bottling the wine sooner than other varieties, capturing the precious aromas. Don’t be afraid of a 2020 Rosé! The wine is ready to be enjoyed in all of its intricate flavors and structure.
Which Rosé is right for my palate?
Think about different Rosés the same way you would think about different red wines. Just like you can expect big differences between a Pinot Noir and a Petit Verdot, you can expect big differences between different types of Rosé.
To list a few of the classics: if you like Rosé with high, zesty acidity and fruity notes, go for a Grenache Rosé. For palates that prefer a pale, herbaceous, and savory profile, a Tempranillo Rosé is right for you. Syrah and Cabernet Rosés are full bodied and can often be served and paired like red wine, bearing similarities to their red counterparts without the complexities of oak aging. Zinfandel Rosé, also called White Zinfandel, is mildly sweet and best served very cold. US-grown Nebbiolo Rosé is hard to find, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a medley of ripe fruit flavors with a light body and pleasantly balanced tartness. If you want a fruity Rosé with a sparkling, coppery color, bursting with fresh flavors without being too sweet, opt for a Sangiovese Rosé.
What flavors should I look for while tasting?
Most Rosé wines have rose petal aromas and pleasant minerality, though every varietal has its own expression. With our Salute Rosé, look for flavors characteristic of Sangiovese Rosé, namely strawberry, raspberry, wild cherry, watermelon, cranberry, and herbs. In our Nebbiolo Rose, on the other hand, search for flavors and aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry, grapefruit, violets, and white pepper.
