She Strengthens

The Rosé Revolution: Everything You Need to Know About the Pink Drink

As the sun shines brighter, our attention turns to the perfect summer companion: rosé wine. But rosé is more than just a trendy drink; it’s a lifestyle. With its rich history, diverse styles, and endless pairing possibilities, it’s no wonder rosé has become a staple in many wine enthusiasts’ collections.

A Global Phenomenon

Rosé wine is produced worldwide, with each region offering its unique twist. From the pale, dry rosés of Provence to the fuller-bodied, fruit-forward styles of Spain and Italy, the options are endless. Even regions like New Zealand, Oregon, and New York’s Finger Lakes are producing exceptional rosés. England, too, is making a name for itself with its delicious sparkling rosés.

Debunking the Myths

One common misconception is that a wine’s color determines its sweetness. Not true! The color of a rosé depends on the length of time the juice is in contact with the grape skins, as well as the type of grapes used. Darker pink rosés may be fuller-bodied and fruit-forward, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re sweeter.

The Art of Making Rosé

There are three primary methods of making rosé: short maceration, saignée, and blending. Short maceration involves gently crushing red grapes and leaving them to macerate for a limited time before fermentation. Saignée, or “bleeding,” involves taking juice from the early stages of making a red wine and fermenting it separately to create rosé. Blending, the least common method, involves adding a touch of red wine to a white wine batch to create rosé.

Foodie Heaven

Rosé is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Its acidity and fruity characteristics make it a perfect match for light and refreshing meals like salads, pasta, grilled fish or chicken, and charcuterie. But it’s not just for summer; rosé can be enjoyed all year round, pairing beautifully with heartier dishes like chicken chili or herb-rubbed lamb.

Affordable Luxury

The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy high-quality rosé. Here are eight exceptional rosés from around the world, all under $15:

• Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses (Languedoc, France; $14.99)
• Bodegas Tarón Rosado 2019 (Rioja, Spain; $12.99)
• Mont Gravet Rosé (Pays d’Oc, France; $8.99)
• Mas Fi Cava Brut Rosé (Penedes, Spain; $11.99)
• 90+ Cellars Rosé (Languedoc, France; $12.49)
• Le Charmel Côtes de Provence Rosé (Provence, France; $14.99)
• 14 Hands Rosé (Washington, USA; $12)
• Lagaria Pinot Grigio Ramato delle Dolomiti IGT 2018 (Trentino, Italy; $14.99)

So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of rosé, and toast to the pink drink that’s taken the world by storm!