Tickled pink: seven reasons rosés are gaining popularity this summer
Despite a recent surge in popularity known as “the pink tide,” rosé wines can’t seem to shake the stigma that they’re an overly sweet and not entirely “real” wine. More and more, experts are looking to dispel that myth. According to the Globe’s Beppi Crosariol, blushes’ not-so-favourable reputation stems in part from the proliferation of white zinfandel, which is often marketed to a younger pop-loving crowd. A little research, however, reveals plenty of dry rosés that can satisfy the most discerning of palates. With summer in full swing, we round up seven reasons why refreshing rosés shouldn’t be overlooked, each plucked from critics’ pro-pink pieces.
1. It goes with anything As the Spec’s Dan Kislenko notes, rosé works with just about any food: seafood, veggies, chicken and even pork.
2. It looks great in the glass Beyond pink, rosé comes in a wide array of shades ranging from ruby to saffron to fuchsia. “The wine is a painter’s palette for the colour red,” says Patrick Comiskey in the L.A. Times.
3. It can age well Contrary to popular belief, some good rosés gain complexity and texture with a little aging. Wine writer Bill Zachariw likes his rosés aged a year or two.
4. It’s affordable Crosariol tells us that great varieties can be had for $12 to $15.
5. It can pack a punch Rosés can have as much alcohol as a bold red, sometimes exceeding 14 per cent.
6. There is a rosé for everyone From beginners (Spain is a good place to start) to experts (Bordeaux and Burgundy have their own varieties) to weirdos (who might like the slightly fizzy Txakoli), most people can be pretty with pink.
7. It looks red with sunglasses on As Crosariol observes, if one just can’t get over the mental hurdle of sipping a blush, one can always bask in self-denial.
