Today is International Rosé Day 2021. In this article, we share 11 things you may not know about rosé, plus French rosé recommendations from French wine importers.
So here are 11 things you may not know about rosé for International Rosé Day 2021.
- Even though the colour is pink, Rosé is not made from a blend of red and white grapes. It is made purely from red grapes and the colour comes from the skin. The longer the skin contact the darker the colour.
Rosé wine doesn’t come from mixing white and red grapes - Except… if it’s a champagne rosé, then the colour can come from the tiny amount of red wine which is added to the blend of white varietals that make champagne like chardonnay. Larger champagne houses will use the red grape skins to achieve the pink colour.
- In France, the red wine grape varietals that make Rosé are Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
- Elsewhere, Rosé is also made from Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Zinfandel.
Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Zinfandel grapes are also used in the making of rosé - One of the methods for giving rosé its colour is called “saignée”, which means bleeding in French. It refers to the draining of the juice created after macerating the pressed grapes with their skins for 12 – 24 hours.
Image: Drink Uproot - ½ to 2/3 of wine produced in Provence is rosé.
- After Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon region is the largest producer of rosé wine in France.
- Rosé has some good health benefits! Well, it contains polyphenol which can reduce bad cholesterol. It’s also high in potassium, which is good for lowering blood pressure. And to round it off it has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Men who drink rosé are referred to as brosé.
- A bar in New York created a slushy version of rosé called frosé.
Frosé – an icy cocktail made with Rosé - Don’t bother cellaring rosé – it’s very much a drink now wine.
ROSÉ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL ROSÉ DAY 2021
Le Plonque
Margot from Le Plonque talks Rosé for International Rosé Day 2021.
The South of France and notably the Provence region produces a lot of rosé but it’s not the only part of France to master the art of Pink Wine!
Thereby, our selection for the occasion is Rosé Dallau 2015. And it is not a Provence rosé but a Bordeaux one!
And now you’re probably thinking “what? Isn’t Bordeaux wine just red?” Well no, Bordeaux is not just about Reds.
Bordeaux rosés are dry and powerful roses. They are refreshing and crisp. Rosé de Dallau is made from Cabernet and Merlot. It has a beautiful pink colour, intense berry aromas and is soooo smooth! It does wonders with grilled meats, salad and cheese platters.
So, if you don’t want a Provence rosé this year but want something a bit different, this is the one!
Airoldi Fine Wines
As always receive a 20% discount on all Airoldi Fine Wines orders when using the code “Marseillaise”.
Daniel Airoldi from Airoldi Fine Wines recommends a rosé from a new winery owned by CHANEL.
This year marks the beginning of our collaboration with the new CHANEL estate in Provence called Domaine de l’Ile, which makes a Provence rosé that is unique in the world because it comes from the island of Porquerolles south of Toulon, and it is now the only producer on this island that exports its wines abroad!
Cerbaco
Manu from Cerbao and Spirits of France recommends a pink grapefruit flavoured wine made from Rosé for International Rose Day.
Don’t forget the famous Rosé-Grapefruit! Dolfi makes a delicious one, with a rosé from Provence and pink grapefruit.
To be drunk well chilled, even on ice, why not, with a nice melon and local ham of course!
Clos Cachet
Ashleigh from Clos Cachet recommends Domaine Gavoty Rosé Cuvee Clarendon 2019 $50 for International Rosé Day 2021.
Why?
It is time to treat yourself with the Cuvée Clarendon, the top cuvée of Domaine Gavoty and made with the “saignée” method. Only the must obtained by gravity after maceration (3 to 6 hours) is used and blended with the must coming out from the first gentle press. The Cuvée Clarendon is a selection from the oldest vines of the Domaine and is made of 15% Grenache, 85% Cinsault. With a complex nose of subtle raspberries and citrus fruits this Rosé will delight you and the palate is powerful, driven and flavourful.
What to serve with this French Rosé?
It goes very well with poached or grilled fish, mixed salads, seafood, lobster, spicy foods and all the classic flavours of Provence (olive oil, lemon, garlic, tomatoes etc).
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What’s your favourite Rosé?
For more information about rosé, take a look at our article from 2020.
If you like French wine, you may also be interested in the following wine related articles:
#DrinkChenin Day 2021: all about chenin and which to drink
Happy Pinot Grigio Day – a look at the French wine Pinot Gris
International Chardonnay Day 2021: the grape, the wines and which ones to drink
International Syrah Day: discover the wine and some recommendations
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