According to many of the articles I’m reading online and in trade journals, this year has been the biggest year for rosé wines that we’ve ever seen; yet I’m running across the same sad phenomenon I run across every year around this time… the demise of rosé wines until next spring. People have for some unfortunate reason held tight to the misconception that rosé is a spring/summer wine ONLY and that once Labor Day hits, the love affair is over till next spring. This simply is not and should not be the case. While rosé certainly IS a very enjoyable spring/summer wine and certainly we all look forward to the new vintages year after year, rosé, when well made, (and there is bad wine out there in every known category) is a wine to enjoy all year long. It’s compatibility with a wide range of foods and its myriad varieties and variations truly make it a wine for all seasons. It pairs so delightfully and in so many different expressions with egg dishes, salads, mild to medium cheeses, lighter meats and fish, vegetables of all kinds, and other light to medium-savory fare.
One occasion where I personally LOVE to serve rosé is Thanksgiving dinner. Sparkling rosé is a perfect aperitif and the still versions pair exceptionally well with turkey and many of the traditional sides that one finds at the Thanksgiving table, not to mention that it makes a gorgeous holiday presentation with its happy colors ranging from palest orange to almost red.
I can, of course, see why people love to drink rosé in spring and summer. I know I certainly do; but I am hoping that people will take a moment to consider the wide range of capabilities of the wines in the rosé family and keep on enjoying these wonderful, versatile wines all year long.
If you think so too, be sure to share your recommendation with people as you have the opportunity.
