Rosé is a term describing the French technique for making wines ranging in colour from greyish pink to very dark pink. Rosé is a type of wine that incorporates some of the colour from the grape skins, but not enough to qualify it as a red wine. It may be the oldest known type of wine, as it is the most straightforward to make with the skin contact method.
Winemakers create a rosé wine by juicing red grapes and then allowing the juice to soak with the skins for a very short period, usually only two to three days. As soon as the juice begins to take on the beautiful pink colour the winemaker desires, the skins are removed and the juice is allowed to ferment, creating delicious rosé.
Rosés have exploded in popularity in the last few years. At a recent VQA fall release almost every time I came to taste a wineries wines they insisted I try their Rosé. Some very good, some were not.
Recently my wife and I hosted a dinner party. We began the evening by doing a blind Rosé tasting challenge. We featured two BC wines, two Washington State wines and one California wine. Twelve guests took the challenge. Only two of the wines received a passing grade and were awarded a vote. Both were from BC.
The final score was 8-4 with Castoro de Oro Pinot Duetto been the winner. The deep colour attracts one's attention. This Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc blend starts with a nice aroma, featuring an initial tart cherry softened by peppery tannins. It has a nice smooth finish.
Castoro de Oro is a small family-operated winery in Oliver along the Golden Mile. Their friendly winery and fine cellar makes them a winery you should visit.
