The Rosé Rundown

The Rise of Rosé

Rosé wine has seen a significant surge in popularity over the past decade. Contrary to the semi-sweet "blush" wines that gained fame in the 70s and 80s, today's rosés offer a diverse range of styles. From sweet to bone dry, and from dark crimson to pale salmon hues, rosé wines are far from one-dimensional.

Understanding Rosé Styles

Color and Body

The color of a rosé can give you a good indication of its body and flavor profile. Generally, the deeper the color, the fuller-bodied the wine. Darker rosés often result from grapes with darker skins or extended skin contact during production. These wines tend to have a richer mouthfeel. On the other hand, lighter, salmon-colored rosés, often made from Pinot Noir, are usually lighter in body but still packed with delicate flavors.

Grape Varieties

Knowing the grape variety can also help you predict the style of the rosé. For instance, Mulderbosch Rosé, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, is fuller-bodied with excellent structure, much like a traditional Cabernet. In contrast, Robert Sinskey Vin Gris, a pale rosé made from Pinot Noir, offers a lighter body and more delicate flavors.

The Popularity Surge: By the Numbers

According to Nielsen, rosé wine sales in the United States grew by 40% in 2020 alone (source: Nielsen). This growth is not just limited to the U.S.; globally, rosé consumption has increased by 20% over the past five years (source: OIV).

Interesting Stats

• France is the largest producer of rosé, accounting for 34% of global production (source: OIV).
• Millennials are driving the rosé trend, with 40% of rosé consumers in the U.S. being under the age of 40 (source: Wine Market Council).
• Instagram has played a significant role in rosé's popularity, with over 5 million posts tagged with #rosé (source: Instagram).

Conclusion

As I endure the heat and humidity of Virginia for another week, I find solace in a chilled glass of rosé. Whether it's a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-based rosé or a delicate Pinot Noir variant, there's a rosé for every palate and occasion. So, the next time you find yourself in a heatwave, consider reaching for a refreshing glass of rosé.

This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a comprehensive overview of the rosé wine trend, complete with statistics and insights. For more information on wine trends, visit Nielsen and OIV.