SMELL THE ROSÉ

STOP TO SMELL THE ROSÉ

by Anna Maria Giambanco DiPietro

Rosé. The word itself conjures images of seaside strolls, grilled seafood and vacation vibes. It’s easy to sip, easy to pair, and easy to shop for, as most domestic rosé is simply labeled "rosé." It’s even become a grab-and-go item available in cans, boxes, and bottles with corks, pop-tops, and screw-caps. The perfect libation for picnics, cookouts, lunch dates, and beachfront sipping in jaunty hats, rosé is here to stay.

Long gone are the days when sweet, sticky, salmon-colored swill dominated the pink wine sector. These days, rosé is produced in myriad ways across the globe using countless varietals and winemaking techniques. In Michigan, everything from the Concord grape’s spicier cousin, Catawba, to Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc is finding its way into pink wines. From blending whites and reds to saignée, where a small portion of the wine is removed after a few hours of maceration, the sky’s the limit for vintners when it comes to rosé, and wine consumers are drinking it all up—literally.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to catch up with Karen MacNeil, author of the award-winning book, THE WINE BIBLE, about the world of rosé and how this magical pink-hued elixir has secured its footing at the forefront of the wine scene. Here’s how she weighed in:

AM: Do you have any suggestions for a "starter"rosé? I'm thinking of die-hard, dry red wine drinkers who'd usually run the other way when offered a glass containing pink wine.

KMN: The beauty of rosé is that it’s so easy. It’s a wine for drinking, not thinking. So wine lovers can "start" anywhere. That said, I am especially fond of Provencal rosé because Provence is the "mother ship" when it comes to rosé and also because Provencal rosé is bone-dry and crisp, and therefore terrific with just about every food.

AM: Any basic advice for pairing rosé?

KMN: Pairing with rosé is also easy. Just imagine any dish that has a southern French "spin," and you are set. Also, a little-known fact: rosé is one of the few wines that goes really well with garlic, which is why the French drink it with aioli and bouillabaisse.

AM: What was the first rosé that left an impression on you?

KMN: The rosés that I first got to know were either from southern France or Spain. (Spain, in fact, makes loads of excellent rosé for a song). The other rosés I LOVE are rosé Champagnes. Expensive but sensational. Marc Hebrart is a favorite producer. Rosé Champagne with roast chicken (or any poultry) can’t be beat.

AM: Where might vintners look for inspiration when it comes to producing excellent rosé?

KMN: Winemakers often want to make rosé out of grapes that, IMO, are too tannic. A rosé of Cabernet or Merlot can come off as too coarse. Rosés made from Mediterranean varieties—Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsaut, often work better.

You can read more of Ms. MacNeil’s thoughts on rosé and other wines at WineSpeed.com. In the interim, here are three of my top picks for Michigan rosé along with a refreshing summer salad recipe.

Whether you’re serving burrata, crabmeat, grilled sausages, or poultry, rosé loves food. As a matter of fact, Julia Child said, "Rosé can be served with anything." I’ll not disagree. Put on some music, open a bottle or two, and enjoy the simple pleasures of sipping “summer in a bottle.” I’ll raise a glass to you from afar!

Savory Summer Watermelon Salad 1/4 c. high-quality olive oil 3 tbsp red wine vinegar 4 c. cubed seedless watermelon 2 medium cucumbers, chopped 1 c. crumbled Cotija cheese 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup coarsely chopped basil pinch of sea salt Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with more chopped basil.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Maria is a copywriter based in Santa Barbara County, California. She draws from her experience as a beauty and wellness professional, plant-based cook, and graphic artist to create approachable, educational content. Anna Maria is also a wine writer with a WSET Level 2 with distinction certification.