If you know of anyone who turns their nose up at rosé, chances are they grew up in the '90s and attempted to look classy with a bottle of white zinfandel or "blush." The reality is, rosé has broken free of the sweet, teeny-bopper juice it was once considered to be.

With the warm weather now upon us in the Okanagan, everyone should have an occasion to enjoy this perfect summer libation. Rosé happens when the skins of red grapes touch wine for only a short time. Where some red wines ferment for weeks at a time on skins, rosé's are left on skins typically 24-48 hours. Red grape skins are the source of color and flavour for rose wines. As you can imagine, nearly any red wine grape can be used to make rosé wine. Pinot Noir grapes produce lighter more delicate flavours of field strawberry and raspberry, where Syrah grapes can make a more full-bodied style with aromas of stewed red fruit and currant.

Photo Credit: ContributedCheck out the lineup of fabulous rosés!
With the variety of red grapes grown here in the Okanagan, rosés produced now are more versatile to pair with food at any time of day – and yes even for breakfast!

Brunch – Start the day with brunch and light style Pinot Noir rosé. Primary flavours are red fruit, flowers, citrus with a pleasant crunchy green flavor on the finish similar to celery or rhubarb.

Noon – During the hot summer days, cool down with a dryer thirst-quenching style rosé made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Cabernet Franc.

Dinner – Pair Syrah, Spanish, or French-style rosé instead of a heavy red. Think typical summer fare such as fish, grilled chicken, salads, and tapas.

Here are a few of our favourite rosés!

Photo Credit: ContributedThe Beaumont Melody Gamay Rosé is perfect for enjoying under the hot sun.

Beaumont Melody Gamay Rosé

Producer: Beaumont Family Estate

Location: West Kelowna, BC

Taste Profile: Big ripe, red cherries and strawberry jam on the nose, with lively and juicy red fruit on the palate. Subtle and off-dry style rosé for sipping on the patio or in the hot tub.

Food Pairing: Perfect as an aperitif or paired with a salad topped with sliced strawberries and balsamic drizzle.

Best Place to Enjoy: Under the hot sun.

Price: $15.99

Photo Credit: ContributedThe Muga Rosado, made in Spain, pairs best with Spanish tapas or grilled fish with fresh fruit salsa.

Muga Rosado (Rioja)

Producer: Muga

Location: Spain

Taste Profile: Blend of Garnacha, Viura, and Tempranillo. This is a light-bodied, old world style showing tart red berry fruit, crisp acidity, and lingering finish. Spain has quite a range of rosé wines, but perhaps the most common are the Tempranillo and Garnacha-based rosado wines from Rioja. Tempranillo rosé wines typically offer a distinct savoury note which makes for a much more full-flavoured style of rosé that matches with richer foods like beef tacos.

Food Pairing: Spanish tapas, grilled fish with fresh fruit salsa, spicy paella.

Best Place to Enjoy: Picnic table with friends.

Price: $16.79

Photo Credit: ContributedA light-bodied rosé from Provence, France, the Saint Sidoine Cotes de Provence has hints of strawberry and cranberry.

Saint Sidoine Cotes de Provence

Producer: Saint Sidoine

Location: Provence, France

Taste Profile: A light-bodied, dry, and refreshing classic Provence rosé. Subtle strawberry and cranberry with a refreshing, herbaceous finish. The south of France is the world's most dedicated area to rosé wine. Wines are made dry and have a pale pink, almost onion skin colour. These will be a bit more expensive, but are well worth exploring for the best-of-the-best in French rosé.

Food Pairing: Charcuterie board, soft cheeses, shellfish, chicken… extremely versatile.

Best Place to Enjoy: Dinner table.

Price: $20.19

At the Cask & Barrel, we always have a wine expert available to answer any questions you may have, and we are always happy to make you a recommendation!

Tapped with Cask & Barrel brings you monthly recommendations to help you choose from their large selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Enjoy the Cask & Barrel experts' favourite picks and please drink responsibly!