As the days get longer, and we start to see the blossoming of flowers and the trees gaining their leaves again, we think of spring. When I see the cherry blossoms reveal their pink blooms and smell their delicate aroma, I think rosé.
So, right now my friends, it’s time to start thinking about rosé!
For some of us, rosé season never ends as it’s a very versatile style of wine that can be enjoyed year round. But for others, the light fresh flavors and the range in shades of pink lend to days spent by the pool and long nights with friends, with a glass of rosé in hand at every turn.
How do you select your rosé though?
Do you pick the palest color out there, or lean towards more of a magenta pink, maybe a salmon/almost orange color style? What’s the difference? Is it just color or is it taste as well? Well dear readers, let me help answer a few questions about rosé for you, in particular my favorites, French rosés.
To start, French rosé is made from only red grapes. There is no mixing of red grapes and white grapes to get that perfect color (Well, except for Champagne which can mix their blend.). Each of the different regions that make wine in France can make a rosé using their red grapes, by starting the wine-making process the same. They throw the whole grape or grape clusters in the tank together, then they monitor the process almost hourly – some call it rosé watch – until they get the color they want. They spring into action, drain the delicate, lightly colored juice out of the tank and then continue the fermentation process into wine.
The different colors will vary by winemaker style, popularity, and the grapes themselves. A thicker skinned grape will give a darker color and more flavor to the wine in a short period of time, whereas a thin-skinned grape leaves you with a pale color and a light drier flavor. Here are a few examples and styles of rosés from France.
Bordeaux │ Light pink in color, Bordeaux Rosé comes from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Cabernet Franc grapes and a shorter maceration period. Even in this short period of time in contact with the skins the rosé develops aromas of flowers, citrus fruits and hints of spice. Serve chilled as an aperitif or with dessert made with red fruits.
Suggested Bordeaux rosé producers – La Tourbeille Rosé, Chateau d’Haurets, Mouton Cadet,
Tavel │ Seeing this on the shelf, it almost doesn’t look like a rosé, more like a lighter red wine. Because it’s darker in color, it has more flavor and body to it. Think all the things you love about red wine, but this one is lighter. Tavel is a blend mainly from the grapes Grenache and Cinsault, but others are allowed.
Suggested Tavel rosé producers – Chateau De Segries, M. Chapoutier, E. Guigal
Bourgogne │ Land of the thinner-skinned Pinot Noir grape. Rosés from this grape and this region will be paler in color and lighter in flavor but still stunning. The fresh berry flavors of raspberries and strawberries are still present, along with some hints of watermelon and a bright acidity. Due to this flavor profile, this style of rose pairs really nice with shellfish.
Suggested Bourgogne rosé producers – Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Rosé Cuvée Margoton
Cabernet d’Anjou │ Coming from the Anjou region in the Loire Valley, this rosé is almost like an electric pink. Using the rare grape, Grolleau Noir, you can also find Gamay or Cabernet in the blend. These grapes together make the color and give a hint of sweetness to the wine, like candied fruit.
Suggested Cabernet d’Anjou rosé producers – Famille Bougrier, Barton & Guestier, Monmousseau
Provence│The rosé we all know, often see on the store shelves and probably love, Provencal rosé. This is the rosé style you’ll see more often year round and on the picnic table as well as the dining room table. Fresh burger off the grill, seafood, or salad, a rosé from Provence will do the trick. Another blend, this time the possible grapes could be Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Pale in color, with flavors of ripe berry fruit describe the rosés of Provence.
Suggested Provence rosé producers – Chateau Miraval, Minuty by M , Chateau D’esclans Whispering Angel
Now that you’re fully versed on French rosé, which one will you try first? Perhaps even keep a few bottles around the house so you’ll be ready for that impromptu BBQ or you need something to sip as you sit on your patio.
Tanisha Townsend is the Chief Wine Officer of Girl Meets Glass, a wine lifestyle and education agency. She currently lives in Paris, where she creates wine and food pairing experiences for expats and tourists, hosts a wine podcast called Wine School Dropout, and teaches wine courses at universities in Paris. Insightful and educational, Tanisha is the English speakers anchor lady in the beating heart of the French capital. She holds the WSET Level 3, Certified Specialist of Wine, Certified Specialist of Spirits and French Wine Scholar certifications.
For more on French wine of all varieties follow Tanisha’s daily adventures in the world of wine on Instagram.
Post and photos by Tanisha Townsend.
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