Wine 101: What is this pink wine we call rosé?
Rosé has become hugely popular for its versatility and refreshing taste, making it perfect for all sorts of occasions.
It's more than just a drink—it embodies the joy of life, evoking images of summer evenings and shared laughter. But what exactly sets rosé apart from red and white wines? Let's dive in.
What is rosé wine?
To make rosé wine, red grapes are harvested and pressed. The process of pressing the grapes allows the skin contact with the juice thereby imparting color and giving the wine its signature pink hue, ranging from pale salmon to vibrant coral. Unlike red wines that ferment with the skins for longer, rosé wines have a shorter time in contact, resulting in a lighter color and a delicate flavor profile.
How does rosé wine taste?
Rosé wine isn't always sweet, contrary to a common misconception. It can range from bone dry to slightly sweet, depending on factors like grape variety and winemaking techniques. Côte West’s rosé is on the dryer end of the spectrum – making it quite delicate and refreshing in flavor and aroma.
For those who enjoy a crisp adventure, dry rosé wines offer refreshing acidity and a clean finish. They pair well with a variety of foods, from light salads to seafood dishes. Our Rosé of Counoise is particularly food-friendly and can pair well many different cheeses to pasta dishes, and light meats.
Grapes like Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Cinsault are commonly used in rosé production, each adding its own unique flavor to the mix. For instance, our Rosé of Counoise is crafted from 100% of Counoise grapes grown in Dry Creek Valley, renowned for its rocky soils rich with iron enhance the wine’s fruit and floral characteristics.
2022 Rosé of Counoise
Mounts Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Intensely aromatic with bright red fruits and floral notes, balanced by lively acidity, offering a rich body on the palate.
What makes rosé wine so interesting?
Whether you're strictly a white wine drinker or a connoisseur of a wide array of wine styles, every sip of rosé invites you to celebrate life's moments, big and small. Rosé wine is an ever-evolving blend of colors, aromas, and flavors, each with testament to the style, craftsmanship, and passion of the winemaker..