In our mission to help bring all things restaurant, food, and wine to you, our readers, Cassie and I decided it would be a great idea to include some wine blogs in our lineup. You might have read our first two additions a few months back titled “Wine 101”. They were such a hit (thanks for all the positive feedback!) that we want to make the topic a periodic fixture in the blog.
A note regarding the title of the series – in Roman mythology Bacchus was the god of wine (among other things, but let’s not clutter this with too many details). I have always been fascinated by ancient myths and wanted to bring together two of my favorite topics (mythology and wine)! Now, on to our current discussion.
I remember growing up and going out to eat at fancy restaurants. My mother and grandmother would always order a glass of ‘White Zinfandel’ to go with their meal. If you just felt a shudder, you’re not alone. For many years, pink wine was overly sweet, syrupy, and insipid. Everyone was drinking it because it was trendy, but it wasn’t very good. Thankfully the world has awakened to the beauty and potential of what true Rosé wine can be.
We trace the history of Rosé to Northern Italy and Southern France during the years that both areas were under the rule of the Roman Empire. Winemaking was very popular at the time, mostly because wine was safer to drink than water. Most of the wines that were consumed at this point in history were closer to what we now call a Rosé than a contemporary red or white wine. Rosé is still made in large quantities in those parts of the world. Some of my favorites come from Provence in France near the Mediterranean. Due to Rosé’s explosive popularity in recent years, almost every major wine region on the planet has started producing Rosé.
Rosé wines go by several different names. Rosé is the most common name. In Italy they are known as Rosato. In Spain and Portugal they are called Rosado. You might also find them called ‘blush’ wines, but that name is much less common. The vibrant pink color comes from how the grapes are turned into wine. Most grape juice (before it becomes wine) has a white-ish color naturally. What makes a red wine turn red is the length of time the juice sits on the skins, stems, and seeds of the grapes. A Rosé is only aged on these materials for a very short time – sometimes only a matter of days depending on the style the wine-maker is going for. Rosé can also be made into fabulous sparkling wine. These sparklers will usually have the Rosé name (or its variations) on the bottle.
Now that the weather is getting hotter, my mind is turning to Rosé for drinking. The high levels of acidity in the wine make it an easy pair with many different kinds of food. Some of my “go to” pairings are fish dishes with light sauces, summer salads with some fresh goat cheese, or grilled chicken. It’s important to get your Rosé ice cold for it to show its flavors the very best. The good news with Rosé is that it is relatively inexpensive and low in alcohol content, so it won’t drain your wallet or your hydration.
You can find good Rosé selections at most any wine store and at a local HEB. Go grab yourself a few bottles and kick off the South Texas summer in style!
Cheers!
Brandon
Upcoming events to consider:
YTAC 4th Annual Queso Bowl – May 5
Baskets & Blankets – May 7
22nd Annual Taste of the Dominion – May 11
Zoo-La-La! A Taste of San Antonio – May 11
Culinaria Wine & Food Festival – May 18-21
Brews and Blooms – May 20
Burgers, BBQ and Beer – May 21
San Antonio No Kid Hungry Dinner – fundraiser at Hotel Emma May 21
Texas Salsa Festival – May 27
To read more Off the Menu blog posts, click here.
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The views and opinions expressed within this blog are those of the author(s)’ and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of ATKG, LLP, its owners, employees, or affiliates.
