By Barbara Sisa
For years now, we’ve been hearing and reading that the days of rosé wine are numbered – that the time will soon come when it disappears from the market altogether. As if it were just a passing trend, something everyone suddenly forgets. The same is often said about romantic relationships: people tend to view love through rose-colored glasses, treating it as a fleeting illusion that soon fades away. Outsiders, watching romances unfold with curiosity, always seem to know exactly how long a relationship will last and when the end will come. Yet somehow, couples stay together, weathering the whispers and the doubts. Perhaps the true secret of rosé wine – and love – is that their future is impossible to predict: sometimes it’s the most unexpected things that endure, surprising us the most.
Valentine’s Day, the celebration of love, is a perfect occasion to highlight rosé wines, which – with their elegant pink hues – have become symbols of romance. But what lies beneath the mysterious blush of rosé wine? What is it that makes this drink so enchanting and alluring, that each sip seems to carry hints of love, freshness, and elegance? Perhaps it’s that rosé, like a soft pink haze, charms us for a moment, captivates us, and while it offers freshness and fragrance, something lasting and truly special lingers behind.
Below, you’ll find fascinating facts about the world of rosé wine that shed even more light on what makes this drink so extraordinary.
1. The Secret of the Pink Color:
The success of rosé lies in the duration of contact with the grape skins. Like red wine, rosé is made from blue (red-skinned) grapes, but while red wine involves prolonged skin contact, rosé undergoes this process only briefly – just a few hours. This short contact allows the wine to absorb only a small amount of color from the skins, resulting in its delicate pink hue. However, this doesn’t mean rosé only comes in one shade – finished rosés can range from onion skin tones to salmon pink and even deep rose.
2. A History Rooted in Antiquity:
Though rosé is hugely popular today, it actually has ancient roots. The Greeks and Romans drank rosé-like wines, as they typically didn’t leave grape skins in contact with the juice for as long as we do for modern red wines.
3. Not a “Weak” Wine:
Many people see rosé as a kind of in-between wine – neither red nor white – and it sometimes doesn’t get the attention or respect it deserves. Because it doesn’t fit neatly into either category, it’s often thought of as merely refreshing and light, when in fact it can offer a complex array of flavors and come in many different styles.
4. A “Women’s Wine”?
Rosé has long been considered a more feminine drink, but this notion is increasingly outdated. Its variety and versatility make it appealing to any wine lover, regardless of gender.
5. Rosé and Fashion:
Rosé wines often have strong ties to fashion and lifestyle trends, especially the “rosé all day” vibe popular at summer pool parties, sun-soaked afternoons, and outdoor events.
6. Celebrities Are Making Their Own Rosés:
Drew Barrymore, for example, produces various types of wine – including rosé – through her Barrymore Wines label. Rapper and musician Post Malone launched his own rosé in 2020, called Maison No. 9. It quickly gained popularity, thanks in part to his personal involvement and effective marketing, making it one of the best-known celebrity rosés.
7. A Culinary All-Rounder:
Rosé is incredibly versatile in gastronomy, pairing well with a wide range of foods. Lighter, fresher rosés are perfect with seafood, salads, or grilled chicken, as their refreshing acidity enhances the flavors of the dish. Fuller-bodied rosés, rich with fruit and spice notes, pair beautifully with red meats, steaks, and cheeses, and even complement less sweet desserts.
8. Sparkling Rosé:
Rosé sparkling wines are special both in taste and appearance. Made using the same methods as traditional sparkling wines, the elegant pink hue gives them a distinct, refined look, while their flavor remains rich, fruity, and not overly sweet. They’re perfect for summer toasts, romantic dinners, or Valentine’s Day celebrations.
9. A Great Base for Cocktails:
Rosé also makes a wonderful base for cocktails. The French 77 Pink Champagne cocktail is a standout, made with 100 ml of rosé sparkling wine, 30 ml of gin, and 60 ml of elderflower liqueur. The result is a harmonious, rich flavor experience. Garnished with fresh strawberry slices, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
10. Rosé and Valentine’s Day – A Perfect Match:
With its color and flavor, rosé symbolizes both love and passion. In some cultures, pink wines are even referred to as “the wine of love,” believed to enhance romantic feelings and emotional connection. Historically, rosé has had a role in love rituals too: in ancient Greece, it was celebrated as a symbol of budding love.
If you’re looking for an especially enchanting Valentine’s Day experience, try a unique rosé sparkling wine – its bubbles and flavor will lift the mood as much as the romance. Just like love, rosé wraps our emotions in a rosy haze, one that lingers far longer than many would expect. What better way to celebrate love than with a sparkling rosé that mirrors the fizz of life itself, and stays with us just like our most beautiful memories?