The Best Rosé Wines to Try Right now

Summer temperatures are finally warming our lush island, and the whole of Ireland is donning Espadrilles, and leaving the house without as much as a cardigan. Could we really have a proper summer starting now? Well, to that we say, YES! No matter what the mercury or Met Éireann may tell us tomorrow, let’s just go with it and continue to celebrate the season through Rosé-coloured glasses. Rosé continues to experience an insurgence of popularity; clearly part of the appeal is this distinctively pink wine's blushing colour. How can one resist such a beautifully photogenic guest at your summer soiree? Hashtags like #roseallday #yeswayrose and #brose (for that guy not afraid to swill a pink wine with swagger) populate social media. There's even a popular attraction in New York City called The Rosé Mansion -- part wine bar, part amusement park. It is an interactive tasting experience of rosé, which leads you through corridors of art installations tailor-made for Instagram. The tour ends at the top floor bar which boasts over 100 different rosés. In the past, many a wine aficionado snubbed rosé, considering it a bit déclassé or perhaps not complicated enough. “Too sweet,” they said. But these days, rosé is having a moment and a movement. One that says simply, “Hey, don’t take me too seriously!” And that’s just one of the many reasons why we love it! Wines Direct have carefully chosen an exemplary collection of rosé for you to enjoy this summer season (as well as all year long). Click here for the Best Rosé’s to try right now. Introducing a few of our pink-hued beauties: Olivares Rosado is a full-bodied Rosado from Bodegas Olivares. Don’t be fooled by its delightfully retro and simplistic typography on the hip label or the wine’s incredible value—this Spanish Rosado may be the most sophisticated guest at your garden party (no offence to your tribe). If you like a little sparkle in your rosé check out an outstanding, press reviewed splendour from Italy - Le Contesse Pinot Rose Cuvee Brut. A subtle pink colour with shades of violet and persistent and fine bubbles ending in a full, rich palate. An ideal aperitif. How about wine for the beach from the South of France? Domaine Bergerie De L’Hortus Rosé exudes ripe, red summer fruits and gives a crisp and zesty finish. One of many vegan-friendly wines available from Wines Direct.

Rosé Pairing

Imagine a chilled glass of rosé on a warm summer evening alongside a robust Serrano ham and creamy Manchego cheese on crostini. The versatility of rosé leads to endless delicious possibilities: tapas, salads, grilled vegetables, BBQ chicken, pork or beef, seafood, charcuterie, paella, spicy foods, sushi, cheese (burrata, aged chevre, provolone)—just to name a few. It’s not just for summer fare. Bodegas Olivares’ creator Pascual started the tradition many years ago of serving their Rosado with Christmas Day tapas. (And it’s divine!)

Rosé Facts to Drop at this Summer's Alfresco Dining Table:

• The oldest style of wine, rosé, was first created around 7,000 B.C. • In France, pink wine is called Rosé, in Italy, it goes by the name Rosato, and in Spain, the word Rosado conjures up images of this sweet pink nectar of the gods. • Rosé’s characteristic blush comes from mixing red and white grapes (yes, not by mixing red and white wine). The colour is extracted through a brief maceration of the skins as the wine is fermented. There is also the Saignée method, during fermentation of red wine about 10% of the juice is bled off. Typically, this method produces a deeper colour. The blending method is when a little bit of red wine is added to a vat of white wine to make rosé. This is a very uncommon method with still wines and happens primarily in the sparkling wine regions of Champagne. • You can use rosé as an ingredient to make some killer cocktails. Ask your local mixologist for an adventure, or try a #mose (all the best parts of a margarita with the addition of rosé) or simply freeze rosé (#frose) on a hot (or temperate), Irish day. • Rosé should be enjoyed within two to three years of its release; unlike red wines, rosé doesn’t improve with age.