Rose is the perfect summer wine. It is light and refreshing; meant to be enjoyed chilled; and makes the perfect combination with summer foods such as fresh salads and grilled dishes.

Rose wines feature a pink colour that can vary from light orange to intense purple. That is because at the beginning of the wine-making process, red-skinned grapes are crushed, left in contact with the wine for about two or three days and then discarded. Red-skinned grapes were in the mixture long enough to influence the colour of the wine as well as the flavour and finish. The skins give the Rose wine its tempting tart and quality flavour, which is actually what makes it different from lighter white wines.

In the past, great Rose wine was classified as a medium-sweet wine style. But that has led to a negative public perception of the wine. Connoisseurs did not take this wine serious due to its pink colour and sweet taste. But what is good in the wine world, is that it is constantly changing. And today there are also drier, bolder great Rose wines available on the market, and they are very popular among wine connoisseurs. And all thanks to the new and different ways Rose wines are produced today. This has also contributed to the unique and complex characteristics of the wine.

So How Do You Pick a Great Rose wine? Here Are Few Ways

The main characteristic of a great Rose wine is crispness. In wine terms ‘crisp’ means that the wine features a tart, acidic quality which is very pleasing and refreshing. Once you get to taste a couple of Roses, you may find yourself enjoying the ones that are very crisp.

The best way to choose a great Rose wine is by the wine region. Rose is a vine varietal that is very popular in France, hence, France produces the highest-quality Rose wines. The name of the region printed on the label of the bottle will give you a clue of what’s inside.

Rose wines produced in Bandol and Cassis are classified as very high quality. They are often dry and well-balanced, and because they are rated as the best ones, they are also the most expensive. For something a little more budget-friendly, look for Roses produced in the Tavel and Lirac French regions (which will be more dark, rich Roses) and Coteaux du Languedoc, which produces inexpensive yet great Rose wines.

To give this summer a warm welcome, before you start grilling and eat outside, first choose a delicious, refreshing Rose wine to enhance your summer mood.