Rose Is Not Just For The Summer!
By Like many we choose our rose wine based on its colour rather than its credentials. We never consider what the winemaker may have intended nor do we think about where it came from. Alongside that many of us believe the lighter in colour the better the rose.
Well, prepare for that myth to be busted:
Let’s keep it simple. Rosé wine almost always starts with red grapes, such as Garnacha, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, depending on the region. Unlike red wines, where the juice spends a long time soaking with the grape skins, rosé gets a quick dip, ranging from a couple of hours to a day or two. The longer the skins are in contact, the deeper the colour becomes, as the skins hold the pigment. Winemakers have complete control over this process, allowing them to stop it early for a delicate, pale pink wine or let it go a bit longer for a bolder and richer colour.
The colour of rosé wine can actually hint at what’s to come. Pale rosés tend to be crisp and elegant, with notes of citrus, white peach, and fresh berries. Deeper pinks usually carry bolder fruit, such as ripe strawberry, cherry, and sometimes a subtle touch of spice or herbaceousness. It’s not an exact science, of course, as every rosé has its own personality, but the colour gives you a clue.
The next time you’re grabbing a bottle of rosé, take a moment to consider the colour. Don’t just look straight past the darker styles, especially as the winter months approach, give them a chance and try something new!