Updated August 19, 2010

Janet A. asks Tim –“I just arrived home from a European vacation and noticed most locals sipping on Rosé wines! Can you tell me more about this beautifully colored wine and what to pair it with?”

Tim responds –

Americans often incorrectly view rosé as a sweet wine for novice wine drinkers. However rosé wine is showing a resurgence of popularity in Europe with rosé sales exceeding white wine in France in 2007. Rosé wine can range in color from pale orange to vivid pink, and gets it unique hue from the way in which the wine is pressed. For rosé wines, red-skinned grapes are crushed and allowed to sit with the juice for a short time, then the skins are removed before fermenting ( with red wine the juice and skin remain together for the entire process). This gives rosé its pink hue, yet a more delicate flavor closely connected with white wine. Rosé is often viewed as a great summer time wine due to its light crispness and pairs well with BBQ and grilled chicken. There are a wide range of rosé wines available, varying from sweet and fruity to drier varietals. Dave Perrault reviews a very popular rosé this week in our Staff Picks. Come by the store and we will help you find exactly what you need!