Would you believe that your deep obsession with rosé wine might just be in your DNA? Some scholars say that rosé was first created and consumed by early Egyptian and Greek cultures. What other secrets does your favorite summer sipper hold? In honor of August being National rosé Month, we’re tickled pink to tell all.
- d’Anjou, a rosé from the Loire Valley in France, which was once very popular here in the states, can be directly traced back to being the rosé of the “summer homes of kings.” Maybe that’s why it feels so regal to hold a glass of glistening pink wine.
- There is no one shade of rosé. Rosés can range in color from a light salmon to a bright, berry-pink hue, depending on the winemaking process and the winemaker’s desired structure of the wine.
- So, how does rosé get its color? Blending is a common method, which involves adding
red wine to white wine. There are three other methods used to create rosé—maceration, Vin Gris, and Saignée—each involves exposing the wine to the must, or freshly pressed grapes (dark skins and all), for varying amounts of time. The pigment in the skin is what gives rosé its color. The longer the wine is in contact with the must, the deeper the color of the wine. - Our Lancre, Grenache-Cinsault Rosé, pays d’Oc IGP, is a traditional dry rosé from France. It’s made from 50% Grenache, 50% Cinsault.
- Our Double Date Sweet American Rosé is a Concord-dominated blend with varying percentages of Niagara, a white grape, as well as red and white vinifera, lambrusca and hybrid grapes.
- Some of the aromas found in rosé include raspberry, strawberry, almond, banana, grapefruit and even cut hay.
- Rosés are not meant to be cellared. Rather, they should be consumed within one year for best quality. No excuses, drink up!
Pair Your Rosé to Perfection
Now that you’re an expert, it’s time to plan the perfect menu for your rosé soirée. Here are our recommendations.
Double Date Sweet American Rosé
Double Date is a luscious rosé that pairs well with fruity desserts, salty cheeses like gorgonzola, or a mix of salty and sweet. Your glass of Double Date will dazzle with cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, key lime pie, chocolate-covered strawberries, and even fruit pizza. Ideal cheese pairings are gorgonzola, blue cheese, and brie. We love pairing Double Date with a cool, sweet watermelon and feta salad!
“I am a sweet wine drinker and this wine is so good. I could never get into a dry wine, although the tastes with different food was very interesting. This wine was definitely my favorite.”
– Sunnie Dringenberg
2016 Lancre, Grenache-Cinsault Rosé , pays d’Oc IGP
Lancre is delightfully complex and lively, and pairs well with sharp cheeses, salty snacks, seafood, and spicy Thai and Indian dishes. We recommend prosciutto-wrapped melon, camembert cheese, fish and chips, or a great Pad Thai. Lancre is a dry rosè that is light- to medium-bodied with a pale salmon hue, and fits the bill when you crave that traditional French rosé.
“Love this wine! I ordered it without tasting it first and am so happy with it! I ordered six more bottles …”
– Marie Scibeck
Are you ready to Rosé All Month? Stock up now with your favorite Wine Guide!