Make Love. Drink Rosé. Vice Versa.

The thing about love is that you will never run out of it. It's an ever-flowing river, and this river is pink. 

Illustrated by Samantha Vila

Pink Privilege

The world has been lovestruck by the elusive rosé and its charming blush tones, often found juxtaposed against green gardens, white beaches, blue oceans and summer skies.  

Why yes? Rosé is beautiful to look at, arguably more so than any other wines. In addition to its delectable aromas and freshness, rosé tickles our cones and rods with its radiating pink and coral hues, while begging for our unwavering love and attention in return, in which we have all gladly complied. 

Short Modern History

Despite the many shades and styles rosé comes in, the pale Provencal-style sits on the pedestal of commercial success.

This can all be traced back to America’s fascination with France in the 2000s. American tourists returned from their sun-fuelled Provencal vacation brought back a piece of its joie de vivre and contributed to the booming interest in a pink drink category that is synonymous with sunshine and good times. Such interest turned into obsession when the Hamptons ran out of rosé in 2014… causing panic. Although I couldn’t help but imagine rosé producers high-fiving each other anticipating lucrative years ahead. 

Evidently, demand continued to skyrocket. The world had gone head-over-heels for pale pink and low residual sugar. Wineries responded by pumping out rosés that are paler and dryer than each prior year. Even the Fat Jewish had to jump on the lucrative bandwagon, producing his own take on rosé (blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel) and named it White Girl. 

Meanwhile, consumers turned a blind eye to darker rosés, assuming they are sweet and of lower quality. Little did they know that this is all about to change. 

Breaking the Pale Rosé Supremacy

It is so 2010s to judge the wine by its shade. As the topic of diversity gains prominence in our society, maybe we should also look at rosé wines the same way.

This Valentine’s Day, I am collaborating with Montreal-based artist Samantha Vila on this MAKE LOVE. DRINK ROSÉ project where we present some of our favourite rosé styles, complete with naughty little illustrations to celebrate the diversity of rosé and the diversity of love.

1. Love yourself with Provence Rosé

Provocative with a familiar touch

Wine has been made in Provence for over 2600 years, making Provence the oldest wine-producing region in France. It is only until the recent decades that the rosé of Provence has risen to international fame. You know what else has been around forever? Masturbation. And it is only until the recent years has it broken the societal taboo and entered mainstream conversations. 

Provence rosé pleases everyone. If you are looking for a familiar sip of pink, Provence is your safest choice.

Feeling fancy? Bring things up a notch with the rosés from Bandol, a smaller region within Provence, for a serious and savoury expression of the French Riviera.

2. Romantic Celebrations with Rosé Champagne

Just add rose petals! And trail them towards the bedroom... 

Rosé Champagne is always successful at awakening your palate for an evening to remember. When choosing your Champagne, it is best to know what level of dosage (grape sugar added) is in the wine. It all depends on whether you are looking for a clean finish, a sticky ending, or something in between ;)

Don’t fear the sugar! 

Despite our obsession with dry wines, bear in mind that a lower dosage doesn’t always mean a better Champagne. It is all about the maturation, balance, harmony and integration. As Moët & Chandon’s cellarmaster Benoît Gouez once mentioned, “dosage doesn’t just contribute sweetness, it also helps with ageing potential. The sugar helps the wine to recover from the trauma of oxygenation post-disgorgement”.

In the end, the sticky finales can sometimes be the most memorable ones.

“Dosage doesn’t just contribute sweetness, it also helps with ageing potential. The sugar helps the wine to recover from the trauma of oxygenation post-disgorgement” – Benoît Gouez

3. Domestic Love with Domestic Wines

When the kids are asleep, the adults will play

One simply cannot deny that vacation ignites passion. Even a hotel staycation without the fear of children busting into your bedroom can be an instant mood boaster. 

When going away isn’t an option, it can be challenging to spark romance. A bottle of your domestic rosé can serve as a reminder that romance be found right at home and right under our nose. 

Just don’t forget to lock the door.

4. Get Steamy with Tavel or Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo

It’s getting hot in here...

Rosés from Tavel (France) and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo (Italy) are on the darker side of the rosé colour spectrum. These wines’ got heat! Not of temperature of course, but of alcohol. They usually start at 14% ABV. Perhaps, also a good choice for turning up the heat in your DM, over FaceTime, or in your bedroom? 

Tavel, Southern Rhone

160km west of Provence lies Tavel, a rosé-only appellation in Southern Rhone. Tavel is famous for rosés that wear a darker robe, carry a heavier weight, with flavours that pack a punch. I have had great examples that knocked my socks off. These Grenache-dominant rosés are not shy to get naked and flaunt its intense aromas of berries and watermelon right at you. Tavel wines can be so fruity and give us a sweet illusion, even though it is almost always dry to the lips.

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Central Italy

Cerasuolo, dubbed after cherries, has a deep, almost garnet color that distinguishes them from pale, Provencal-style rosés. Quality examples are tannic, with more structure and nuance, especially appealing to those who prefer their Blaufrankish and Cab Franc served with a slight chill. Every sip is an adventure. High acid, crunchy cherries, incredibly herbeceous and a touch of the hallmark seaside savouriness, Cerasuolo is good contender for setting the romantic mood when the sun slips down the horizon. Great with salty cheeses and olives.

5. Reaching Volcanic Climaxes with the Wildest Rosés

To chase your wildest fantasies, how far are you willing to go?

Reaching for your go-to bottle of rosé is like the missionary position, you (almost) always know what you’re getting yourself into. 

When was the last time you took a leap of faith with your loved one into uncharted territories and ended up pleasantly surprised? Yes, there is an element of open-mindedness, and even a bigger element of trust. But as the old saying goes, the higher the risk, the greater the reward.

Some of the wildest rosés have sent me to Nirvana in the most unexpected ways. Go volcanic. Go low-intervention. Explore the rosés from islands that you never would expect to make cool rosés, like those from the Canary Islands, Sicily, or made with grapes you cannot pronounce. My personal favourite within the past year has been Viñatigo’s Listán Negro rosé, and Frank Cornelissen’s Susucaru Rosato. 

6. Plot Twist. Rose Gin?

Some times, a night you cannot remember may also be the best night ever.  

There is nothing wrong with ending the night on a high note by whipping out the beautiful bottle of rose gin hiding in your freezer. In the end, I hope your lovemaking will be as legendary as your inevitable hangover the next day. 

Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Sources:

GuildSomm - A Brief History of Rosé
https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/victoria-james/posts/rose 

Drink Business - Moet: Diversity Is Key In Rosé Champagne Production
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2020/03/moet-diversity-is-key-in-rose-champagne-production/ 

Vinepair - Abruzzo’s Versatile, ‘Serious’ Rosé Is Hiding in Plain Sight
https://vinepair.com/articles/cerasuolo-abruzzo-italian-rose-wine/