Rose wine is back in style; it is the best wine to kickstart summer, so why not try it.
Rose wines are irresistibly fun and versatile, which means they easily pair with a light lunch and a fancy dinner without a thought. Many Roses available out there, have the amazing flavour profiles and are drier and crisper than many expect. These characteristics allow a complete display of aromas and flavours without the mouthfeel being dragged down.
But what makes Rose wine a summertime essential are its irresistibly refreshing characteristics; and the fact that there are so many mouthwatering food and Rose wine pairings that can lift anyone up and lighten anyone’s day during sweltering summer days. Because Rose wine is considered a ‘middle man’ (not a white wine, nether a red one), many think it is difficult to pair it with food. Trust me Rose is one of those versatile wines that pair with (almost)anything. Here are some food and Rose wine pairings suggestions to get you started.
- Some would advise not to pair Rose with foods that will make its delicate flavour imperceptible, meaing avoid red meat dishes, tomato sauces, heavy creams, butter, eggs and strong aromatic spices. I say, do as you like. I personally almost always drink Rose with my veal dishes. What’s more, although wine experts would probably criticize me for this, I enjoy a glass of chilled Yering Station Village Rose (Yarra Valley) with my time all favourite crispy Margherita pizza with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil.
- Rose wine goes hand in hand with light pasta dishes such as linguine with garlic, olive oil and mussels.
- Try also stuffed pastas such as a ricotta stuffed ravioli or a vegetable-stuffed cannelloni. The key is to use a cheese that is extremely light, neutral and mild in flavour, almost creamy in texture.
- Rose wines can pair well with many seafood dishes that require minimal preparation, such as lightly grilled crab cakes, lobster tail and shrimp cocktails. These are great proteins to complement a well structured Rose wine.
- And of course summer salads, which make an excellent option. The trick here is to stay away from bitter greens such as kale and dandelion greens and stick to water-filled vegetables and fruits like bok choy, chard, iceberg lettuce, watermelon slices, pomegranate kernels, strawberries and apple slices. A perfect addition to these summer salads and your Rose wine, is a light goat cheese and even a mild blue cheese.
Give Rose a chance and you will be pleasantly surprised by its aromas and flavours.
