Rosé is a delicious pink wine that has grown in popularity in the last 20 years. We tell you all you need to know about this versatile beverage.
It once had a reputation as being inferior to red and white wine. However today rosé stands up as a very popular wine that’s enjoyed on many occasions.
Rosé has an eye-catching pink hue that helps it stand out on the shelves of bottle shops. It can be either sweet or dry and is a great alternative to white and red wines. Edenvale makes two alcohol-removed versions – a delicious rosé and a refreshing Sparkling Rosé.
Here, we explain all you need to know about this wonderful wine that continues to grow in appreciation and popularity. We tell you what it’s like, how it differs from similar wines and how to drink it.
A quick guide to rosé?
The first thing to know about rosé is that it isn’t made from a specific type of grape but is more a type of winemaking. Rosés can be made from any red grape variety and are produced throughout the world.
The word rosé is pronounced ‘rose-ay’, which translates from French to English as ‘pink’.
The history of rosé dates back hundreds of years, but it wasn’t until this century when the French version made its way around the world that it came to be regarded as a serious wine.
Most of the world’s rosés come from Europe, with France accounting for 30 per cent. Rosé from Provence in France, where it originated, is renowned as a premium wine, however there are many good rosés produced in different regions of the world, including Australia.
Fun fact: In Italy, rosé is called Rosato and in Spain it is called Rosado.
How is rosé made?
Rosé is made from red grapes in a similar way to other wines, but the time fermenting on the skins is reduced. The briefer time with skin contact gives rosé its beautiful pink hue. This process is called maceration and with rosé, it is often less than a day before the skins are removed.
While spending less time with the skins gives rosé a lighter colour and flavour than red wines, the skin contact adds to the tannin levels and antioxidants of the wine.
The sparkling version of rosé is made in either of two ways. One is to add carbonation to still rosé wine. The other is to add red wine to a sparkling white wine.
Sweet or dry?
Rosé can be sweet or dry. Those called ‘Old World’ rosés, which come from Europe, are typically very dry. Rosés from the ‘New World’, which are from outside Europe, are usually sweeter and fruitier. The variety of grape, local climate and methods of production contribute to these differences.
The most popular Australian rosés are dry and are great to have with a meal, although there are some very good sweet Australian rosés as well.
Fun fact: Several celebrities have put their names to rosés, including Kylie Minogue, Sting, John Malkovich, Brad Pitt and Sir Ian Botham.
How to drink Rosé
Rosé is not meant to be aged but enjoyed young to make the most of its fruity flavour. Rosé should be served chilled to about 4-10 degrees and consumed soon after opening.
It should be enjoyed from a stemmed glass with a short bowl and slight taper. It can also be served from a stemmed glass with a short bowl and a slightly flared lip. Alternatively, a simple white wine glass will be sufficient. The shape of these glasses helps keep the wine chilled longer.
Being a chilled wine, rosé is a great summer wine, perfect for parties and picnics. Sparkling rosé is a great alternative to sparkling whites when celebrating an event or raising a glass in a toast.
Sparkling Rosé versus Pink Moscato
As explained above, rosé is made from various types of red grapes with a reduced maceration time, giving the drink its pink hue.
Pink Moscato
While Moscato is made from the Muscat grape, the pink variety is a blend of white and red grapes. Moscato is the sweeter wine, while rosé is the drier.
Naturally sweet, naturally bubbly and naturally delicious, Edenvale’s Pink Moscato has delicate flavours of rose petal and Turkish delight, which are lifted on the palate by a light fizz.
How does Edenvale Alcohol-Removed Rosé compare?
Edenvale’s Rosé is produced in Australia from locally sourced grapes. It is a delicate wine with delicious berry fruit flavours and aromas of rose petals, red currants and berries. The palate has a lovely strawberry and berry flavour with a well-balanced aftertaste.
Edenvale also does a Sparkling Rosé which is fresh and lively with rich fruit flavours and is ideal for celebrations, capably stepping in for more traditional sparkling whites.
Fun fact: Having a baby girl? Edenvale Rosé and Sparkling Rosé make great gender reveal gifts.
Food pairing Rosé
Edenvale alcohol-removed Rosé goes well with spicy food as well as white meats, pasta, soft cheeses, antipasti and fresh fruit.
Fun fact: Rosé is great as an aperitif.
Enjoy rosé any time
It’s fitting that rosé has broken free of the poor reputation it had as recently as 20 years ago. Rosés are made with all the care and expertise as any good wine and can be enjoyed any time you want to sip something that’s a little different from a red or white wine.
Edenvale’s Rosé and Sparkling Rosé have all the flavour of traditional rosés and are produced in the same way. The difference is that you don’t have the effects of alcohol, so you can enjoy them anywhere and anytime.
Edenvale’s Rosé and Sparkling Rosé are available online or you’ll find a selection available at Dan Murphy’s, Coles, Woolworths and IGA and from our online retail partners – Sansdrinks, CraftZero, Brunswick Aces and Free Spirit Drink Co.
If you have a question about an Edenvale Alcohol Removed Rosé and Sparkling Rosé, please contact us using the form below.