La Vie En Rosé: Why Rosé Is Here to Stay
By Marie Gorbenko Published August 2021
Rosé all day? Rosé and shine? Stop and smell the rosé? With summertime upon us, it seems that the rosé train is doubling in speed toward its destination of seasonal domination—but this wasn’t always the case. While the earliest versions of rosé can be traced back to the Romans, the wine we’ve come to know as rosé didn’t gain popularity until fairly recently. But, with the demand for rosé increasing exponentially every year for the past two decades, it seems that this pretty pink drink isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Here’s my list of favorite bottles, insider enjoyment tips and a take on why our love for rosé is a lasting one.
It’s Among the Most Affordable Wines on the Market
I’m a big believer in the philosophy that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Case in point: the rosé wine market. Since rosé—unlike red wine—doesn’t get better with age, you won’t find bottles dating more than a few years back. And because its flavor excellence is tied to its being made, bought and enjoyed quickly; rosé’s market prices reflect this turnover rate and enable us to enjoy the delicious pink concoction at an excellent bargain. Rosé consistently proves to be one of the most budget-friendly wine options out there and finding a scrumptious bottle under $15 is a piece of cake. Such reasonable prices make rosé a great choice when stocking up on party libations or sticking to a budget after one too many trips to the mall.
Rosé Recommendation: Bleu de Mer Rosé
Have I already mentioned this delightful rosé in my “Top 5 Must Try Wines For Summer” article? Yep. Am I going to talk about it again? You betcha. Bleu de Mer is a staple in my wine collection all year round, and for good reason. Produced by Bernard Magrez—a powerhouse in the international wine industry—this absurdly affordable wine uses classic grapes from the south of France to create an exceptional rosé of outstanding value. I pop open a bottle every time I need a little extra joy in my life. Try it with white chocolate cake for an added treat.
It’s Easy to Drink by Itself and Pair with Food
Rosés tend to fall in the middle of the flavor profile. These wines are not as light as whites or as heavy as reds, making them the perfect happy medium drink option. And with different varietals straddling the spectrum from airy to weighty, it’s a breeze to find a bottle to suit anyone’s tastes. With so much versatility, rosé’s food-friendly factor tops the charts and pairs well with everything from its classic seafood accompaniment to your favorite potato chips. It’s the ideal lounging on the beach wine, catching up with friends over a picnic wine and kicking back for a Netflix marathon wine. Not sure of which wine to bring to your second cousin’s housewarming party? Think pink.
Rosé Recommendation: Jean-Luc Colombo La Dame du Rouet Rosé
A man who requires no introduction, Jean-Luc Colombo is famous for his syrah. His love of this grape variety runs so deep that he even used a heavy amount of it when crafting this delicious wine—an unusual move in the rosé world, where syrah isn’t such a dominant player in most bottles. The result is a rosé with a special richness and depth of flavor that lends itself beautifully to heavier dishes. Try it alongside some roasted chicken or pork at your next BBQ for you and your guests.
It’s Perfect for Cocktails
Rosés are superb wines to use in cocktails. I’ve established that it is a more affordable option compared to other wines so, they easily provide us with guilt-free mixing options. Rosé’s cocktailability (yes, I’ve just invented a new word) lies in its innate versatility, that lends itself well to being combined with different flavors to craft refreshing and delicious mixed drinks. One of the most famous incarnations of using rosé as a cocktail base is the aptly named “frosé”—a borderline necessity on sweltering summer days. Try it for yourself with this quick and easy recipe.
A World of Discovery
Because rosé is a relatively new wine—in terms of such mass production and consumption—there is always something new and surprising to discover about its wonderful pink world. For example, while most of us know that Provence is the mecca for quality rosés, it is not the only area in France (or in the world, for that matter) capable of producing phenomenal rose-tinted libations. The nearby Languedoc region, though not usually associated with rosé, is home to Jean Claude Mas Jardin de Roses Rosé—another personal favorite and one of ABC’s newest successes. With its gorgeous packaging and extraordinary taste, it is no surprise that both the team members and guests love it.
Year-Round Warm State Appeal
While rosé is bought and sold nationally all year round, sales tend to slow in the northern states once the colder half of the year hits—not so in the warm weather states. The why is simple: Rosé perpetually suits the climate of places like Texas, California, and our own Florida—where hot weather is a round-the-year staple. Given the Floridian lack of strong seasons paired with rosé’s chilled drinking style, it is easy to see why this pink perfection never loses is sunshine state popularity, no matter the calendar season.
Rosé Recommendation: Chateau D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé
It’s impossible to write an article about rosé without mentioning Whispering Angel. This was one of the wines that put Provencal rosé on the map and became the poster child for rosés in the region. Whispering Angel is a true icon and continues to capture a big chunk of the rosé market year after year. With its vibrant taste, brilliant marketing and untouched reputation for excellence; it truly is a luxury rosé at a terrific price. The brownie points you will win by surprising your significant other with this are incalculable.
Shop ABC’s full rosé collection here.
Pricing, selection and vintages may vary by location.