The rosés you should be drinking this summer (that aren’t Whispering Angel)
We ask a head sommelier to let us in on the rosés set to impress this summer, and when to invest...
Words: Anna Galbraith
Rejoice! Pink wine is having something of a renaissance. Formerly a snubbed alternative to its red and white counterparts, reserved for hen parties or sticky festivals — rosé is now finally being recognised for its versatility, quality and pairing possibilities. However, if you’re just beginning to dip your toes into this wonderful, salmon-pink pool then there’s a chance that you’re letting old habits die hard when it comes to ordering, purchasing or pairing.
Don’t get us wrong, we have been heartened and fascinated by the meteoric rise of Sacha Lichine’s Whispering Angel, but as the maxim goes, variety is the spice of life — and there are lots of brilliant alternatives out there. Therefore, if you’re looking to expand your rosé repertoire, we asked renowned head sommelier, Guillem Kerambrun to offer his top tips on how best to order, invest and enjoy rosé like a pro.
Source from the seaside...
“I have a weakness”, confesses Guillem, “for rosés made close to the sea — because they are often more delicate and elegant”. Grapes that are sourced from vines which look out across the vivid blue of the Mediterranean are hard to beat. Expect hints of sandalwood, refreshing spices — and an instant desire to book a holiday.
Here are a couple of our favourites which promise to get you in the holiday spirit.
Opt for an organic bottle…
You’d be hard-pressed to find an industry today that isn’t taking serious measures to become more sustainable — and thank goodness. And fortunately, when it comes to wines, selecting an organic bottle doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality.
If there is an organic rosé on offer, then Guillem suggests that you opt for it. In a similar way that organic food nourishes you in a way that no conventionally grown food can, the same can be said of organic wine. Plus, with far less sulphur dioxide, you can expect a far less painful head the next day.
Delay your gratification...
Test your patience and reap the rewards by putting something special away for a rainy day. Find a rosé that you like and do not hesitate to save some bottles for the following year. A favourite rosé with a tiny bit of age will be taste all the better, according to Guillem.
Here are some bottles to save.
And for when you want to go a little bigger…
“For me, a bottle of wine is meant to be shared and I like to use big format to serve. A magnum is a good size for aged wine but rosé in a jeroboam (3 litres) looks beautiful and is a great option for group dining in the summer!”
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to invest — here are some of our favourites from the Magnum Company.
Looking to learn more about wine? We talked breaking down the stigma of own label wines with Corney & Barrow…
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