ROSÉ FOR ALL SEASONS!
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Who doesn’t like a little pink? I have two girls, so there is a lot of pink in my world. Sorry to my youngest offsping, Max–you did sport a few hand me downs in gentlemen’s pink. It’s OK- you survived.
In the wine world—Rosé has been gaining popularity and status. It is no longer thought of as special pink wine just for chicks, but as a serious wine! #brose is actually happening which makes my heart happy because demand creates supply and heaven knows we need a nice big supply of rose [Insert happy-dance-red-dress-emoji lady here].
Where to start… Rosé is not white and red wine blended together… It is red wine. Let me say that again-this is serious wine, with one exception–more on that later. It’s Okay, you can still drink it out of a Solo cup by the pool if you want.
Rosé gets its color from the skins of the red wine. The longer the juice touches the grape skins, the darker it becomes. Typically, anywhere from 1-20 hours. There are a few methods to make this happen called either Maceration or Saignée , you’re welcome to geek out later on that.
Chances are you have heard of White Zinfandal. This is not the same as today’s rosé. In the 70s, Sutter Homes had a little accident where they were making white zinfandal and the fermentation stuck, meaning the yeast died off before it could work its magic with alcoholic fermentation. When this happens, sugar is left in the wine. In this case, it created a stickily sweet wine, which became an instant success.
I have an Aunt (shout out- J) that still drinks White Zinfandel, but the palate for rosé has shifted from this sweet pink juice to mainly dry pink tinged serious wine. Can I get a Hallelujah?
Rose is available from a few notable regions of the world, and when you go stand in front of the rose section at your local wine joint, you’ll see a few of these key regions. What’s the diff? Well, that’s me, your trusty pocket wine buddy, at your service. Let’s have an overview, shall we?
PROVENCE, FRANCE
Cotes de Provence has a big chunk of the Rosé share, around 75%. These wines are typically a light pink, made from the South East France with has a range of flavors from red fruit, flowers, melon and typically made from a variety of grapes. These are pale pink and are food and summer friendly. You can find some fantastic wines here, and some very bad examples, just like all wine.
OTHER FRANCE: You will find some fantastic rosés from Tavel, Languedoc, Bandol and Loire.
LOIRE has a few examples, Sancerre Rosé which is pinot noir from the Sancerre region, the price points can be a little higher, but they are delicious with a bright strawberry fruit. They also make Rosé d’ Anjou, which is a slightly sweet rose made from Anjou district in Loire region which is most likely made from the Grolleau grape. There is a little more serious wine called Cabernet d’Anjou made from mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet France. It is a perfect pairing for melon and prosciutto.
TAVEL in Southern Rhone is a rosé only appellation. These wines are made from Grenache, Cinsault and in 1969 Syrah and Mouvedre was allowed. These wines tend to be darker in color, with more structure and depth.
LANGUEDOB-ROUSSILLON in Southwestern part of France. These rosés are usually made from Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre. These are delicious and worth trying.
SPAIN usually takes the back seat to Provence, but Spain is the 2ndlargest rosé producing country. Called ‘Rosado’ here. Mainly coming from Navarra region, north of Rioja. These wines are typically made from Grenache, with other grapes Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauivgnon,, Merlot and Caignan. There is a variety of flavors and styles here, but definitely worth trying.
USA-LONG ISLAND, NAPA
LONG ISLAND: Rosé is referred to as ‘Hamptons Gatorade’ here. Wolffer estate has created a frenzy with ‘Summer in a bottle”, which is a rosé made from mainly Merlot and Chardonnay. Remember when I said, rose is made from red grapes? Well, those rules do not apply in the U.S. This rosé should be different because of the method of blending white and red grapes here.
Bridge Lane winery (north fork) is making a great rose that is based on Cabernet Franc. The most exciting thing is, they make a can now! Could life get better?
Ok, try something new. Let me know what you love and ENJOY! I’ll leave you with a picture of me encouraging my friend to load up!
