Summertime is signified by many different things, for different people. For me, one of the sure signs, that summer is here, is the erection of the beach bars in Scheveningen, and the signs outside advertising Rosé Wine. Rosé wine is making a very popular appearance during the summer months all over the world. Off-licences now stock several varieties, some of which are very good. There are even Rosé Wine Festivals in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
Where Does It Come From?
So where does this summer madness originate from? It seems to be just a modern fad, or is it? I went digging around and, during my research, found that Rosé Wine Fever, far from a modern fad, actually has a lengthy and interesting history.
First produced 26 centuries ago, Greek settlers who formed a colony in Marseille, first started growing vines and, a wine producing culture was then created. The wine produced was light in colour, a Rosé, due to the lack of knowledge in the preparation methods. Hence Provence is today, known as the homeland of Rosé.
Rosé wine is produced with grapes used to produce red wine. However, the colour of the final product is affected by the length of time the skin comes in contact with the juice, during the fermentation process. The skins are discarded following the pressing, sometimes only a day after the wine production starts, to avoid it developing the deep red colour, of red wine. Red wine, was not historically produced, as modern methods allow it to be pressed for longer, giving it the darker colour. Historically, grapes started their production process directly after harvest, and pressing, mostly done by foot, resulted in a lighter coloured wine.
Taste
In general, Rosé, has a lighter taste than red or white wine, more fruity on the palette and a gentle, meadowy bouquet. Now, I am no connoisseur of Rosé wine, so I headed to Slijterij Voorburg (off-licence), who are very helpful and provide lots of guidance on what to try, depending on your taste. Brian Le Griep, helped me, and I left with not one, but three bottles of lovely pink, summer wine! For the store cupboard of course.
Tips How to Drink
- Due to the origin of Rosé from Provence, perhaps that’s the best place to start when choosing your wine.
- Chill the rose wine for between 30 mins and three hours. Do not over chill, as this can affect the taste and bouquet.
- Serve in a white wine glass.
- This versatile wine goes with almost anything but is particularly good alongside summer salads and is great to enjoy while dining alfresco.
Have a look at The Rosé Wine Guide, which provides you with information on how to drink it, what to drink it with, and a little bit of history.
[youtube width=”1140″ height=”500″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH1YzFLplJs[/youtube]
Originally from the UK and having travelled extensively professionally and personally, Charlie lives in Voorburg, Zuid Holland and speaks Dutch fluently. A keen Photographer and Writer she plans to visit, photograph, and write about European Cities; and believes that life is full of surprises. . . . .
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