Summer in a Glass: Exploring the World of Rosé

Rosé wine is a perennial summertime favourite. Who can resist those eye-catching colours that range from pale salmon pink to a rich coral, the appetizing fragrances, and the mouthwatering flavours that work so well with a terrific variety of foods? The French Rosés from Provence are famous, but did you know that they are also made across the Mediterranean coast, in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia and Greece? New Zealand and Australia also make it and in South America, Chile and Argentina craft it.

Back home in Canada, we make it in Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Ontario. Rosé is made in several different styles, from extra-dry to semi-sweet and sparkling, and it can be made using many different grape varietals.

The dry and extra-dry ones are super-versatile and highly popular. They work extremely well as an aperitif or with a wide range of food. The semi-sweet style pairs well with a Thai Red Curry or spicy chicken wings. The sparkling Rosé style typically shows more berry notes and will pair well with smoked salmon or alternately, a fruit flan.

You’ve probably wondered how Rosé gets its colour. Basically, that’s due to keeping the macerated grapes in contact with their skins for varying lengths of time. The skin of the grapes is the source of the colour and the amount of time in contact with the juice determines the deepness of the hue.

Another method is called the Saignée (‘san-yay’), or the ‘bleed’ method. Some of the juice is drained off, or bled, into a vat to finish fermentation. The remaining juice is made into red wine.

There’s also a method of making it that involves blending the juice from both red and white grapes, but that is generally frowned on and considered an inferior style.

A big reason that Rosé is so popular is that the food options are numerous and can include sushi, salmon, grilled vegetables, smoked fish, grilled chicken, shellfish, olives, charcuterie or fresh salads. Rosé is also a refreshing sipper on sizzling hot days.

This summer, I tried a few Rosé wines made in Ontario, and compared them with one from France and one from Italy. I ordered my Ontario Rosé wines from Savvy Company. The LCBO carries a great selection of Rosés from various international regions, too.

Here are my impressions, to give you an introduction to the wonderful world of Rosé wines.

Marynissen Estates Rosé 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A.

Marynissen Estates Rosé is made in an appetizing dry style that reminds me very much of the Rosés from Provence and Portugal. It’s made from Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Muscat Canelli grapes. It shows lovely red berry aromas with a slight herbal aspect and a crisp palate that gives raspberry and cherry flavours and a delightful hint of lavender. This is an example of a saignée-method rosé. Pair it with salads, grilled chicken or charcuterie. It’s a crowd-pleaser that I will definitely buy again. The LCBO sometimes carries this item, but if not, you can order winery direct at: https://marynissen.com/

Dry • 11% • LCBO# 16454 • $16.95

Tawse Winery Sketches Rosé 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A.

Tawse makes this Rosé from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, with smaller amounts of Gamay, Syrah, Zweigelt and Cabernet Sauvignon.  It shows a very delicate, dry style, with light fragrances and flavours of raspberries, white peach and a hint of lime zest. Enjoy it with garden salads or as a refreshing sipper on a sizzling hot day.

Dry • 12% • LCBO# 172643 • $18.95

Domaines Paul Mas Vignes De Nicole Rosé
Languedoc, France

An elegant, medium-bodied Rosé crafted from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grape varietals. An aromatic nose offers both fruity and floral scents with white peach, redcurrant and a hint of eucalyptus. The palate is mainly fruity, showing cherry and raspberry notes with a slight note of mint and a delightfully long finish. This refreshing Rosé will work well as an aperitif, or pair with salads, shellfish, grilled pork or chicken and light cheeses. It will pair beautifully with a fruit salad, too, especially if you add a few chopped mint leaves to the salad. Excellent value! I will buy this one again, for sure.

Dry • 13% • LCBO# 37190 • $15.95

Santa Margherita Rosé 2024
Veneto, Italy

This elegant Rosé is crafted from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes. It showcases the many reasons why I love Rosé. The gorgeous pale pink colour adds visual impact. It’s crisp and dry with mouthwatering acidity. Delicate aromas and floral notes, along with fresh pear, herbal hints and a touch of pink pepper on the palate are a sensual delight. Vinification in stainless steel tanks, not oak, optimizes the delicate flavours of the wine. The mouthwatering acidity makes Santa Margherita Rosé pair well with many foods, such as classic Caesar and Niçoise salads, pasta and risotto dishes, grilled meats, seafood, and soft cheeses.

Dry • 13.5% • VINTAGES# 25752 • $18.95

Takeaway

The range of Rosés available offers something for everyone. For your next dinner party or gathering with friends, have fun comparing two or three Rosés from different regions, and find out which style you like the best.

Happy sipping!

For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com

Header Photo: iStock