April 16, 2021

What makes New Zealand Rosé so special?

Refreshing and elegant, make New Zealand Rosé your drink of choice this summer!

With the characteristics of both a red and white wine, Rosé is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect when entertaining friends or to pair with a spring/summer menu.

Does a darker color Rosé taste different than a lighter colored rosé?

Rosé wines can come in any color of pink including delicate hues of blush, pale pink, peach through to candy pink and dark berry shades.
When choosing a Rosé, color can be deceptive. A common mistake is to assume that a deeper shade of pink is an indication of sweetness. These darker Rosés are often dry and full of complex berry flavors. So remember, when it comes to Rosé color is never an indication of sweetness or dryness.

However, a Rosé’s color can give you a clue in terms of how it was made and how it will taste. The final shade of pink is determined by the grape variety and the amount of time the grape skins are left to soak in the juice. And when it comes to taste, lighter Rosé wines are usually fresh, light, and crisp while darker wines tend to have more fruit flavor and body.

Why is New Zealand Rosé so popular and what makes it different?

Sustainably grown, New Zealand Rosé are typically light-bodied, fruit-focused, and made in a balanced style.
New Zealand makes both still and sparkling Rosé and unlike French Rosé, the majority are made from Pinot Noir grapes – either as a single varietal or blended with Malbec, Merlot, or Syrah.

The hallmarks of a Pinot Noir Rosé are its red-fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. They are elegant, with clean acidity, and come in many different hues of pink – from the palest pink salmon to rich ruby coral.

What food pairings go best with Rosé?

Rosé is fabulous to enjoy on its own, as an aperitif, or with canapés that feature smoked salmon, sashimi, or goat’s cheese.

Salads, especially Niçoise, are a classic match for Rosé and it works well with most seafood.

When it comes to something more substantial, not only is Rosé a perfect match for savory tapas and light pasta dishes, you can also pair it with many Thai, Indian and Mediterranean-style dishes.

A sweeter-style Rosé can end a meal in style when paired with a platter of ripe summer fruit.

At what temperature should you serve Rosé?

New Zealand Rosé is to be enjoyed lightly chilled to enhance the refreshing crispness and vibrant berry fruit flavors. Aim for 50°F which is about 30 minutes in the refrigerator from room temperature.

Related