The global rose wine culture has finally hit the Indian shores, and here are the most impressive ones to suit your palate.
There is something special about drinking a glass of rosé at brunch, or at a sundowner, or even at dinner. Rosés are just that versatile, plus they pair so well with all kinds of food, especially when there are multiple dishes with a range of flavours, all at once. In India, there have been very clear styles of rosés being produced locally. In the beginning, the popular style was slightly off-dry, very fruity — tropical strawberry and red fruits. After a few decades of experimentation with wine, palates have changed, and there are enough wine drinkers out there who no longer want off-dry, fruity rosés. Wineries have started offering dry rosés that are complex and crisp, and maintain all the fun we desire from our glass. Rosés, globally, are in fashion, after being undervalued for a very long time. This revolution has hit Indian shores, and we have a great number of fantastic rosés to pick from. I find myself liking the rosés from Europe, namely, far more than the ones I see coming from the new wine world countries, but that doesn’t mean that they are not good as well. It’s fascinating that today, some rosés could be easily mistaken for white wine in terms of colour, and the spectrum of colour for this category can be so varied. The rosés coming out from Provence and Bandol are perhaps the epicenter of fantastic rosé production, but there are some interesting wines coming from other parts of France, Spain, and Italy as well. These are some that you should be looking at, that have impressed me greatly, especially over the last one year of wine discovery.
Whispering Angel, Côtes de Provence, France
Very pale coral pink with an aromatic intensity that is reminiscent of the scrubland of Provence. Elegant and polished with an easy drinkability, but also offers interest and complexity on the well structured palate. Red fruit, fresh herbs, and tangy pink grapefruit notes with a vein of vibrant and clean minerality.
Pasqua 11 Minutes Rosé, Veneto, Italy
The Corvina varietal, which dominates in terms of percentage, was chosen for the floral aromas as well as the significant acidity it gives to the wine. Trebbiano brings elegance and a long finish; Syrah gives fine fruit and spice notes to the glass, and finally, Carménère creates structure, ensuring stability over time. This a fresh, enveloping rosé with an intense and complex bouquet, created to accompany spring or summer evenings and more.
The Source Rosé by Sula, Nasik, India
Citrus, tropical fruits, white peach. A bright acidity and an elegant finish. If you are looking for India’s finest rosé, look no further
Born Rosé, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
Pale rose petal colour with bluish reflections. Expressive wine with a high aromatic intensity, citrus fruit (grapefruit and passion fruit) and tropical notes (pineapple and mango) on a floral background (jasmine), and fresh aromatic herbs (thyme and mint). Nice and sweet entrance with a smooth and balanced mouth. Lightly acid finish that makes it durable and gourmand
Mirabeau Etoile Rosé, Provence, France
Pretty and ethereal in the mouth, with a vibrant acidity providing a backbone that leads to a mineral expressive finish with refreshing citrus notes. Long and elegant. With its gastronomic DNA, Etoile will be a great partner to many foods or an apéritif to savour with delectable canapés.
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Rose NV, Champagne, France
Luminous with copper hues. Fresh red fruits, biscuit notes of dried fruits, and pasty. This champagne is far better in quality, in my opinion, than its counterparts at a similar price. I have always been a fan.
Miraval Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France
Miraval reveals a seductive and pure petal pink colour. Full of freshness, it offers elegant aromas of fresh and delicious fruits like redcurrant, supported by slightly lemony, mineral, and saline notes. Long, intense, and elegant.
Domaine OTT Château Romassan Rosé, Bandol, France
Its pale, ethereal pink colour, tinted with gold or orange, releases a bouquet of citrus fruits and white orchard flowers. On the palate, the immediate effect is lively and bright, revealing notes of pink grapefruit, fleshy fruit and, once the wine has had a chance to breathe, hints of fruit tart. The finish is complex and lasting.
Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Rosé, Pays de Herault, France
Lively, vivid rose pink. Some salmon glints. Pleasant, intense, floral, with notes of citruses. Well balanced with freshness combining red currants and berries tight final. Splendidly fresh and long
Chandon Rosé, Nasik, India
Dry sparkling rosé reveals a gorgeous shade of pink in the glass, with aromas of fresh strawberry, watermelon, and cherry that proceed through the palate and finish. Vivacious red fruit flavours with creamy smoothness.
