It’s summer. It’s pretty hard to escape the ‘rosé season’, the perpetual pink hue that seems to fill the gap between the January sales and Christmas. 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.
But what exactly is rosé and what foods does it pair with? Let’s explore…
How is rosé made?
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
Here 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 wine 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 Rowntree’s 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 wine?
Depending on the level of sweetness and the power of flavours in the dish, rosé is a superb food pairing partner.
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 French Rosé, Côtes de Gascogne 2024
"This vibrant rosé has a modest alcohol content and invigorates the palate with gentle notes of strawberry." Will Lyons, The Times, May 28, 2025
Pair with: Pan-fried salmon with sweet potato wedges
Try: Piquepoul Rosé, Coteaux d'Ensérune, Foncalieu 2024
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 and sweeter rosés
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 fruity elements in the dish.
Try: Rosé d'Anjou, Les Martignolles, Château La Varière 2024
The bouquet is reminiscent of red berries (raspberries and strawberries). The palate is expressive and aromatic with a hint of cordial. The clean, fresh finish is balanced by a fine acidity.
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
Something 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 clear rival to the Provence style; move over Whispering Angel! A south-east English gem, Folc wowed the Tanners Team at its inaugural tasting last year - the make or break of any new listing. With delicious red fruit notes, accompanied by enticing floral hints, it's the quintessential, all-year-round drink that will see you through our 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?
Paparuda Rosé, Estate Selection is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Soft and easy drinking, this screwcap bottle is perfect for picnics. With aromas and flavours of strawberries and cherries, it’s the ideal partner to picnic food from locally made pork pies to handpicked British strawberries.
What rosé is best for a dinner party?
For an impressive centrepiece, you could pick a magnum. Try the Folc Dry English Rosé – Magnum or No 1 Rosé, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Domaine Pey Blanc - Magnum. These dry style rosés are ideal for sitting back and letting the conversation flow.
How long does rosé wine last once opened?
Once opened, a rosé can last 3 – 5 days, if kept in the fridge with a stopper until you’re ready to drink more.
Find your perfect summer rosé at Tanners.