Rose

Rosé wine from Spain, California, France and Chile — dry rosado through to sweet blush.

Dry or Sweet — They Are Not the Same Thing

Rosé covers two quite different wines that sit side by side on the shelf, and buying the wrong one is the most common rosé disappointment.

• Dry rosé — Spanish rosado, French and Californian rosé. Pale, crisp, berry-fresh and not sweet. Made for food and warm weather.
• Sweet blush — White Zinfandel, Pink Moscato, Rosé Dulce. Sweet, low in alcohol, strawberry-led. A dessert and party wine.

Both are pink. Neither label makes it obvious. Check the description.

How to Serve It

Serve cold, 8 to 10°C for dry rosé and 6 to 8°C for the sweet blush styles. Straight from the ref, on ice if you are outdoors.

Drink it young. Rosé is at its best in the year it is released — there is nothing to gain by keeping it.

Food Pairing

• Dry rosé — grilled prawns, charcuterie, jamon, salads, soft cheeses. It handles a wider range of food than most whites.
• Sweet blush — cheesecake, fresh fruit, halo-halo, and spicy dishes where sweetness cools the heat.

For adults of legal drinking age only. Please enjoy responsibly.