A Beginner's Guide to Rosé

It’s summer. It’s pretty hard to escape ‘rosé season’ - the perpetual pink hue that seems to fill the gap between the January sales and Christmas gifts. Rosé is, of course, not just for summer, but it’s hard to resist the charming aromas and flavours of soft berries whilst enjoying the sunshine. What exactly is rosé? What food does it pair with? Let’s explore…

HOW IS ROSÉ PRODUCED?

There are 3 core methods for producing rosé:

MACERATION

This is where red or pink-blushed grapes sit in their pressed juice for a while. The juice is then fermented into rosé. This method can be used to create deeper colour and richer flavour, if desired.

SAIGNÉE AKA “BLED” METHOD

In this method, some of the grape juice is ‘bled’ away during the early stages of red wine fermentation. That excess juice is then fermented separately to make rosé. This method not only produces rosé wine, but simultaneously concentrates the red wine that’s also being produced.

BLENDING

A small amount of red wine is mixed with white wine to create a rosé, although this is rare outside of sparkling wine production.

Is Rosé sweet or dry?

Sweetness in wine is a big topic and it can be confusing. The aromas and flavours of wine can trick your senses into thinking a wine is sweet when it’s dry. Have you ever caught hints of parma violets or foam banana sweets? Perhaps the smell of jelly or strawberry laces sends you back to childhood memories. This isn’t a reflection of the wine’s sweetness, but your brain trying to decipher and associate what you’re smelling and tasting.The level of sweetness in wine can be associated with the level of residual sugar. To get mildly technical, it’s the level of glucose and grape sugars that are not converted into alcohol during fermentation. It’s important to note that the perception of sweetness is significantly altered by the level of acidity and alcohol in the wine.

• Dry: 0 – 9 g/Litre

• Off-Dry: 9 – 18 g/Litre

• Medium dry/Semi-sweet: 18 – 50 g/Litre

• Medium sweet: 50 – 120 g/Litre

• Sweet/Very Sweet: +120g/Litre

You can find rosé wines that will fit across the spectrum of sweetness, from dry to sweet. It depends on how the wine is made and, of course, what you’re looking for.

What's a good food pairing with Rosé?

Depending on the level of sweetness and the power of flavours in the dish, rosé is a superb food pairing partner for a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few pairing suggestions:

Dry Rosé

For savoury dishes, a dry rosé would be best. This type of rosé is never going to be a powerhouse of flavours. Instead, it’ll be elegant and charming, more like a gentle breeze than a bonfire on the senses.

Try: Tanners Provence Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2025

The latest addition to the own label range, this is a classic Provence rosé with expressive fruit aromas. A silky and broad palate is characterised by exotic flavours and complemented by a mineral freshness on the finish.

Pair with: Pan-fried salmon with sweet potato wedges.

Try: Piquepoul Rosé, Coteaux d'Ensérune, Foncalieu 2025

This beautifully delicate rosé with floral notes of rose petals and lovely zesty fruit is perfect for sipping in the sunshine. Made from the little-known Picquepoul Noir grape variety, it’s a staff and customer favourite.

Pair with: Watermelon, feta and mint bites

Try: Massaya Rosé, Bekaa Valley 2022

A delicious strawberry coloured wine with aromas of red berry fruits and subtle hints of spice. Bright, fresh and delicate. A superb bottle to surprise friends and family with around the table.

Pair with: Roast lamb served with Meze-style sharing plates

Off-Dry & Sweeter Rosé

The rosés on the off-dry and sweeter spectrum are delicious matches for spicy and/or sweet food. The sweetness in the wine will counter the effects of the spiciness or complement the fruity elements in the dish.

Try: Rosé d'Anjou, Les Martignolles, Château La Varière 2025

With bright aromas of wild strawberries and freshly picked raspberries, this rosé is clean, fresh and great for sharing.

Pair with: Grilled halloumi with pomegranate and mint couscous

Try: Foxcover White Zinfandel, California
Coral pink in colour. Delicate and refreshing with soft fruit flavours of strawberries and peaches.

Pair with: Sweet and sour chicken

What to try other than Provence Rosé?

An English Rosé may not be the first thing you think of when pondering which bottle to buy, but you will not be disappointed with Folc Dry English Rosé. A south-east English gem, Folc has wowed the Tanners Team since its introduction. With delicious red fruit notes, accompanied by enticing floral hints, it's the quintessential, all-year-round drink that will see you through the British summer and beyond.

Have you ever tried a Slovenian Rosé? Doppler winery is a firm friend of Tanners. Female-led, Mihaela Kopše and her three daughters: Lina, Lena and Lana, continue the legacy of Mihaela’s grandfather, who bought the estate in 1938.

Their Doppler Efekt Rosé is light, fresh, vibrant and full of ripe strawberry and raspberry notes. It’s a top-quality wine that will make for a unique talking point across the table.These wines are not only must-try alternatives, but they will make fantastic gifts to give, each holding a unique story of origin.

What Rosé is best for a picnic?

Try: Les Cyprès Rosé, Méditerranée, Pey Blanc 2025

This crowd-pleasing wine is light, fresh and delicate. It’s the perfect partner for sharing an assortment of picnic food, from sausage rolls to sandwiches and locally made pork pies.