Gaby
A team of experts explained what makes the perfect rosé.
On a summer evening, there’s nothing quite like savoring a glass of chilled rosé. But that delightful experience comes with a few rules.
A common misconception is that rosé should be served ice-cold. Take it out of the fridge about half an hour before pouring so it can reach a temperature that reveals its flavors.
What the Experts Discovered
A research group from M&S Food surveyed 2,000 adult Britons. It turns out that 48 percent of respondents were serving rosé incorrectly.
Belinda Kleinig, a winemaker and co-author of the study, noted, “It’s a widespread myth that rosé wine should be served ice-cold; in reality, serving wine too cold can mute its fruity flavor and hide some aromas.”
Kleinig says the ideal temperature for enjoying rosé is between 7–13 °C (45–55 °F). That means take it out of the fridge about 15–30 minutes before serving.
Rosé that’s too warm can taste dull and less refreshing. The bitterness becomes more noticeable and the wine’s best flavors get muted.
Kleinig added that in hot weather it’s fine to drop a few ice cubes into a glass of rosé—wine enthusiasts do it too.
Another common mistake is misunderstanding how rosé is made: the survey found one in ten respondents believes rosé is made by mixing red and white wine.
In reality, rosé is typically made by allowing the juice brief contact with red grape skins (a process called maceration) and then removing the skins before the wine takes on a darker color.
Twice as many respondents said they prefer pale Provence-style rosé over darker styles from regions like California or Portugal.
Rosé’s popularity has surged worldwide. Last summer, at the store that conducted the survey, a bottle of rosé sold every two seconds.
A Few Words About Red Wine
The survey also looked at red wine, which still has lots of fans. Storing red wine in the refrigerator remains unfamiliar to many: only one in six respondents said they’d consider it, the Daily Mail reported.
Some light red wines do benefit from a slight chill. Cooler temperatures can bring out their fruity flavors and make them more refreshing.
The researchers say to chill these light reds for about half an hour—no longer, because prolonged chilling can mute the flavors and make the tannins seem sharper and drier.
What About Storing Wine in an Open Bottle?
The survey also showed that most people aren’t sure how long a bottle of wine will keep after it’s been opened.
Experts say lighter wines, including most whites and rosés, can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days after opening. Full-bodied reds can last up to five days.
Sparkling wines are best enjoyed within one to two days to preserve the bubbles.
