February 2007

A Rosé by any other name ...

By: Charlie Hardie (Cellar Master at Browns of Rivonia)

Now I come to think about it, Rosé is actually a highly generic wine term and is used to describe two wines whose composition and make-up are entirely different.

On the one hand, you have a Rosé wine, which is defined as a blend of white and red wine. An example would be the IONA Rosé which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.

The other wine that is often referred to as a Rosé is a Blanc De Noir. This wine is defined as a pink wine; shades will range from off white through peach to pink, made from red cultivars only. By the by this wine can also be called Vin Gris.

However, as with most regulations there are of course exceptions. Rosé Cap Classique is hardly ever called Blanc de Noir, even though over 90% of the wines are made from 100% Pinot Noir or red cultivars only.

Personally I think Rosé wines, be they still or sparkling, are great fun. I have long been a fan of dry Rosé wines. It is nice to see so many great Rosés popping up on the shelves. So this Valentine’s Day be bold, make a statement and bring on the Rosé.

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