Best Rose Wine

Rosé wine has well and truly shaken off its old-fashioned image. Once considered a bit of an afterthought, it is now a firm favourite amongst wine lovers worldwide, including right here in Australia. From casual barbecues to sophisticated soirees, rosé is popping up everywhere. Let us find out what is behind this surge in popularity.

How Rosé Wine is Made?

One of the common misconceptions about rosé is that it's simply a blend of red and white wine. While this method (known as saignée) is used in some cases, it's not the primary way most quality rosés are produced. There are two main methods:

Maceration (Skin Contact): This is the most common method for producing quality rosé. Red grapes are crushed, and the juice is allowed to sit in contact with the grape skins for a short period, typically a few hours to a couple of days. This brief contact extracts colour and some tannins from the skins, giving the wine its characteristic pink hue. The longer the contact, the deeper the colour and more pronounced the flavour. Once the desired colour is achieved, the juice is separated from the skins and fermented like a white wine.

Saignée (Bleeding): This method is a by-product of red winemaking. During the early stages of red wine production, a portion of the juice is "bled" off (saignée means "to bleed" in French). This concentrated the remaining juice, resulting in a more intense red wine. The bled-off juice, now pink, is then fermented separately to create rosé.

The grape varieties used to make rosé vary widely, contributing to the diverse styles available. Some popular choices include Grenache, Syrah/Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cinsault and Sangiovese.

Best Occasions for Enjoying Rosé Wine

One of rosé's greatest strengths is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in a wide range of occasions, including:

Summer Gatherings: Rosé wine is perfect for summer. Its refreshing acidity and light body make it ideal for warm weather occasions like barbecues, picnics or relaxing by the pool.

Casual Catch-Ups: Whether it's brunch with friends, a casual lunch, or an afternoon catch-up, rosé's easy-drinking nature makes it a great choice. It's not as heavy as red wine, nor as austere as some whites, striking a perfect balance for informal occasions.

Pre-Dinner Drinks (Aperitifs): A chilled glass of rosé is a fantastic way to kick off an evening. Its refreshing qualities stimulate the appetite and prepare the palate for the meal ahead.

Festive Celebrations: Rosé's beautiful colour and celebratory feel make it a great choice for special occasions. It adds a touch of elegance to any gathering, from birthdays to anniversaries.

Outdoor Events: From music festivals to garden parties, rosé is a perfect choice for outdoor events. It's easy to drink, refreshing, and pairs well with a variety of festival foods.

Best Foods to Complement Your Rosé Wine

Rosé's versatility extends to food pairing as well. Its bright acidity, fruit-forward flavours, and light body make it a surprisingly adaptable partner for a wide range of cuisines. Here are some winning combinations:

Seafood: Rosé is a classic match for seafood, especially lighter options like prawns, grilled fish, and shellfish. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the seafood, while its fruity notes complement the delicate flavours.

Salads: From fresh green salads with vinaigrette to heartier salads with grilled chicken or seafood, rosé is a great choice. Its refreshing qualities balance the acidity of the dressing and the richness of the other ingredients.

Lightly Spiced Dishes: Rosé pairs well with dishes that have a touch of spice, such as Thai curries, Mexican tacos, and Indian dishes with mild heat. The wine's fruitiness helps to tame the spice, while its acidity cleanses the palate.

Charcuterie and Cheese: A platter of charcuterie and cheese is a classic pairing for rosé. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cured meats and cheeses, while its fruity notes complement the savoury flavours.

Mediterranean Cuisine: The flavours of the Mediterranean, with its fresh herbs, olives, and grilled vegetables, are a perfect match for rosé. The wine's refreshing qualities complement the light and vibrant flavours of the cuisine.

Light Meats: Grilled chicken, pork, and even lamb can be paired with rosé, especially lighter-bodied styles. The wine's acidity and fruitiness provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meat.

Wine Delivery Melbourne: Accessing the Best Rosé

In a bustling city like Melbourne, convenience is key. Wine delivery services have become increasingly popular, offering residents the luxury of having premium rosé wines delivered directly to their doors. For those who live a fast-paced lifestyle but still appreciate the finer things in life, services like wine delivery Melbourne ensure that a good bottle of wine is never more than a click away.

Whether you are exploring the dry, subtle varieties or the fruity profiles, a reliable liquor store in Melbourne offers a comprehensive selection of rose wines meticulously curated to suit every taste and preference.

As the interest in rosé continues to grow, Matthews Liquor offers the best rose wine from leading brands. We are committed to providing not only quality but also education for our customers, helping them make informed choices about the wines they enjoy. What are you waiting for? Visit Matthews Liquor or call us at 0361848217 to discover our latest selections.