Rosé is ruling my wine fridge right now due to the fact that I have a plethora of bottles inside and not much room for anything else (like food). But those rules suggesting when and where I should drink all of that rosé (“it’s a summertime drink for imbibing on the patio”) or with what recipe (“it’s delightful with a fresh salad”)? In my rule book, there are none.
I love to open a chilled bottle of rosé no matter the weather and pair it with any food on the menu. Thanks to its multitude of expressions, from dry to sweet, from tart to fruity, from still to sparkling, rosé will complement it all. Burgers with cheese, bacon, and mushrooms? Yep. Roasted vegetables sprinkled with a bit of goat cheese? Yum! Fried chicken with honey or barbecue sauce on the side for dipping? Of course! Grilled fish with a savory sauce? Wow! Quiche, pizza, soups, and roast? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Bring it!
And guys, this note is for you. If you’re planning to pick up a beautiful rosé for that special lady in your life this weekend (because, you know, it’s Mother’s Day and rosé is pink), remember to add a few more bottles to that cart…for yourself. Rosé isn’t just for the ladies. Real men are now “drinking pink” and loving every manly minute.
I will admit that there are a few recommendations that will make your wine taste that much better, but we won’t call them “rules”. Adam Chase, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certified Educator based in San Francisco, suggests the following tips for best enjoying rosé wines:
- Serve all rosés chilled at about 7-12°C or 45-55°F – the lighter the rosé color, the more chilled – two hours in the refrigerator should be enough time to get it to the best temperature.
- Don’t over chill or you will chill out most of the flavor. If your glass fogs up so much that you can’t see the wine in it, then it is over-chilled. Let it rest (if you can resist) at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Drink most rosés within a year of their vintage. They are made to be expressive of fresh fruit and generally are not suited to age.
Reviewed are five affordable choices, sent to me as samples, that you’ll want to find. Put each in the ice bucket and open whenever and wherever you’d like with your favorite food. Enjoy!
Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir 2015 – From Oregon, one of my favorite places for cool climate Pinot Noir, is this beautiful, sophisticated rosé from Willamette Valley Vineyards. Refreshing aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon tingled my nose. On the palate, plenty of acidity and luscious, juicy fruit, led to a long, succulent, more than satisfying finish. I looked forward to every glass I poured! Cost is $24.
What are the Rosé rules again? There are none! Just let Rosé rule wherever you are!
Cheers to that! ~ Cindy
