They’re called the “summertime wines” for good reason. Imagine sitting by the pool, the salmon grilling with garlic and peppers. You need a glass of wine; something to evaporate the heat, and still stand up to the salmon. White is too light for the salmon, red is too heavy for the weather, but aaah! Rosé …..it’s just right!Wine snobs beware because those of us who enjoy rosé are in good company. Robert Parker believes that a wine collection is not complete without rosé. Many wine enthusiasts toss rosé into the same category as white zinfandel, but that is a disservice to this traditionally made pink delight.The best rosé is made in France and is produced by removing the skins of the grape just before the liquid turns deep red. With a bouquet of wildflowers, red berries and fruit, the taste is light and refreshing. Rosé can be dry or slightly sweet. The best dry rosés have overtones closer to red wine than white and hold up well to spicy grilled pork and chicken as well as grilled fish. If you love spicy sausage, covered in a mélange of John’s Island tomatoes, onions, peppers and garlic, you should grab a glass of rosé and savor the moment.True rosé is NOT a blend of red and white wines, and France is in a turmoil over the European Union’s plan to sanctify rosé that is made by mixing the two. One third of the world’s rosé is made in France , and is typically served with grilled fish. French winegrowers have fought hard for the pink wine to be recognized with classic red and white vintages. Now the market is booming with rosé accounting for one tenth of world wide wine sales. The French wine makers contend that mixed rosé might look like the real thing, but it has neither the taste nor the quality of traditionally made rosé.So stop and smell the roses! If you can’t make it to France, you can still buy a great bottle of traditionally made French rosé for under $15 Fire up the grill, chill the rosé, and dive into summer.
