Taste the zest of summer with these quality rosé wines
Rosé wine is liquid summer. But not all of it has the relaxing holiday vibe. Some is made as an off-cut of red, bleeding off the juice to concentrate the main event. But when it is made as a specialism, macerating the grapes gently to get that perfect tint and taste, it’s a whole day off in a single sip.
Provence has made rosé wine its speciality. It’s superb to pair with garlic and niçoise salad. That pale colour denotes delicacy. Deeper colours will be fruitier, which are good with the bold flavours of a barbecue, and if you see ‘blush’ on the label, expect sweetness.
Check out Rioja or the Rhône for a decent bet with food and English rosé for zesty refreshment. In general, always go for the most recent vintages. While some rosés do age, such as Bandol, it’s that magic breezy subtlety from youthful fruit that tastes like summer in full flow.