Rosé is a favorite for many — there’s a reason the phrase “Rosé All Day” is so popular! — and this time of year, it’s especially prevalent. Nothing goes better with summer day drinking than a nice chilled bottle of the pink drink.

Over the years, this varietal has really matured — the Rosé (well, White Zinfandel) of the 90s and early 00s was sweet and one-dimensional, but now it’s much more complex and, frankly, just delicious.

Here are a few Rosé fun facts from Brit + Co. that I found super interesting:

1. Rosé may have been the first wine. The Greeks brought grapevines and winemaking to France’s Provence region around 2,600 years ago. They believed that pale pink wine was superior to red or white, producing it almost exclusively.
2. Rosé is almost never meant to be aged. Ideally, you’re always drinking the current vintage to get the best quality of wine. There are always exceptions, but a majority of Rosés should be enjoyed promptly. (Usually not a problem for me!)
3. Color doesn’t correspond to sweetness. All grape juice runs clear, whether it’s from a white or red grape, the color only has to do with how long the grape skins stay in the juice during the fermentation process: The deeper the hue, the longer the contact; but it doesn’t affect the sweetness.
4. It’s often pretty inexpensive. Since it doesn’t require as much time and labor as other wines, you can find many delicious options for under $14 a bottle! Barring a few exceptions, more expensive bottles of Rosé are generally nothing more than a marketing tactic.
5. Rosé is one of the best “patio wines.” It doesn’t require food pairings, it’s often low in alcohol, and because there are so many varieties, there’s a bottle for every palate!

Which Rosé do you plan on drinking this summer?

Cheers!

 

“Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile” 
― Homer