With the news outlets constantly trumpeting the obvious fact that Arizona is currently a
triple-digit-temperature blast furnace, Team EWC would like to take a moment to turn your attention to a much more pleasant topic: staying cool with a perfectly chilled glass of rosé wine.
With its light, refreshing flavour and beautiful pinkish hue, rosé is a favourite summer refreshment both stateside and across the globe. Let’s take a look at the origin story of – and some interesting facts about – this beloved beverage.
A Little Bit of History – While France is known as the home of today’s rosé, the production and consumption of this variety of wine dates back to the Phoenicians, circa 1550 B.C. through 300 B.C. and the ancient Greeks, circa 600 B.C. However, the rosé of long ago wasn’t anywhere near the perfect pink libation we currently enjoy. The ancients actually made rosé in a manner that would leave modern day wine afficionados in a state of abject horror: they simply diluted their red wines with drinking water.
The Sunny South of France – The Provence region in the south of France is the oldest wine growing region in the country and is known for making some of the best rosé in the world. The conditions in Provence are perfect for growing grapes and crafting spectacular wine in a hot, dry Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sun per year and mineral rich soils. The colour of Provence rosé wine ranges from a pale blush (which is drier) to a rosy pink (which is fruitier in flavour). A wide range of grapes are used in rosé, including Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel varieties.
Don’t Confuse the Hues – The names “blush” and “rosé” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, blush wines are semi-sweet, while rosé is dry. Rosé gets its pink colour from the fact that the skin is left to sit in contact with the crushed grape for a time. The longer it sits (from a few hours to up to three days), the more intense the pink colour will be.
Keep It in the Dark – Rosé can be stored in a dark, specially designed, climate-controlled wine storage areawith temperatures ranging from 45-64° F and a relative humidity ranging from
50 to 70%. If the wine is opened and remains unfinished, be sure to place the bottle back in refrigeration with the cork or cap tightly attached. The wine will keep for about five days before the bright fruit flavours found in most rosés become less bold.
Whatever your wine of choice may be, our team of experts can ensure that it’s always kept in perfect condition for entertaining a group of friends or a simply enjoying a glass on your own. We’re excited to help you brainstorm ways to bring your dream cellar to life!