Wine specialist Sam Caporn MW claims Britons are making several errors when enjoying rosé this summer, from refusing ice cubes to selecting the lightest-coloured bottle available.
Many mistakenly believe darker rosé indicates inferior quality, keep bottles too long, and fail to serve the wine at the optimal temperature. However, one contentious practice may not be the blunder many think.
Ice in rosé: a French Riviera tradition
Research commissioned by supermarket Aldi found 22% of Brits always add ice to rosé, while 26% occasionally do. About 51% never add ice, suggesting millions still avoid it. Sam, who works for Aldi, explained: "Adding ice to rosé is not the crime some wine drinkers think it is, especially on a hot day. The chic way to enjoy rosé on the French Riviera is en piscine, which literally means 'in the swimming pool'. While this does not involve an actual pool, it refers to serving rosé in a large, goblet-style glass with plenty of ice cubes. The cold temperature makes it incredibly refreshing on a hot day and can soften the wine's acidity, giving it a smoother feel."
Aldi has seen sales of certain rosés surge 100% year on year, with Sainte Victoire Rosé doubling and Primitivo Rosé up 64%, as customers stock up for BBQs and garden parties.
Colour confusion costs millions
Nearly one in three UK adults (31%) have turned down a glass of rosé because of its colour, equating to over £103 million worth of rosé rejected annually. Over half (56%) say colour is an important factor when selecting a bottle, and 23% always choose based on shade. Some 13% snub rosé for being too pale, while 18% decline for being too dark. Another 18% have wanted to refuse a glass due to colour but accepted out of politeness.
To help shoppers, Aldi launched the limited-edition Rosé Sip Swatch, a pocket-sized colour guide. Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi, said: "Our research shows people have surprisingly strong opinions about the colour of their rosé, with many admitting they have rejected a perfectly good glass simply because it was not the shade they were hoping for. The Rosé Sip Swatch is a fun way to take the guesswork out of choosing rosé while encouraging shoppers to discover that every shade has something different to offer."
Sam Caporn MW's top rosé tips for summer
1. Do not be afraid of ice. Popping ice into rosé isn't a cardinal sin, especially on a hot day. The en piscine style works best with fruity, bright rosés that can stand chilling.
2. Do not judge a rosé by its colour. Pale rosé is often considered safest but not automatically better quality. Lighter shades tend to be delicate and crisp, while darker rosés offer deeper red fruit flavours. Colour is about style, not quality.
3. Drink it fresh. Rosé is best within a year of its vintage date and does not generally improve with age. Look for the most recent vintage for bright, fruity flavours.
4. Serve it properly chilled. Avoid serving rosé too warm or so cold that flavour disappears. Chill well, then let it sit a few minutes before pouring.
