Aldi's wine expert Sam Caporn MW says many drinkers are wrongly assuming darker rosé means lower quality, saving bottles for too long and serving the pink drink at the wrong temperature.
New research commissioned by Aldi found one in five Brits (22%) say they always put ice in rosé, while one in four (26%) sometimes add a cube or two. But around half (51%) say they never put ice in their rosé, suggesting millions still see it as something that should be avoided.
Ice in rosé is not a crime
Sam says they may be missing a trick. She said: “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.”
Sales boom but confusion remains
The advice comes as Aldi has seen sales in some bottles shoot up by 100 per cent year on year, with fan favourite Sainte Victoire Rosé doubling in sales. Italian favourite Primitivo Rosé has risen by 64 per cent, as shoppers stock up for BBQs, garden parties and long summer evenings.
Nearly one in three UK adults (31%) admit they have turned down a glass or bottle of rosé because it was not the right colour and this equates to more than £103 million worth of rosé being rejected every year. More than half (56%) say colour is an important factor when selecting a bottle of rosé, while almost one in four (23%) admit they always choose based on shade.
Some drinkers are especially picky, with 13 per cent rejecting rosé because it was too pale, while 18 per cent have turned down a glass for being too dark. A further 18 per cent admitted they have wanted to refuse a glass because of its colour, but accepted it out of politeness.
New shade guide launched
To help solve Britain’s rosé shade dilemma, Aldi has launched the limited-edition Rosé Sip Swatch, a pocket-sized shade guide to help shoppers identify their perfect pink.
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.”
How to serve and what it’s made from
Brits are also divided over how rosé should be served. Drinkers believe the perfect temperature is 6.9C, with most saying a bottle should be chilled for between one and three hours before serving.
More than half (56%) incorrectly believe rosé is made by mixing red and white grapes together, while one in six (16%) think it comes from “rosé grapes”.
When it comes to glassware, more than half (53%) have drunk rosé from a white wine glass, while 31 per cent have had it from a red wine glass and 20 per cent from a champagne flute. But some admitted drinking rosé from a pint glass or even a teacup, both at 11 per cent.
Summer favourite
The findings come as rosé cements its place as one of Britain’s favourite summer drinks, with two-thirds (67%) saying summer is the season they are most likely to drink it. The average drinker expects to get through 20 glasses this summer alone, spending an average of £6.40 on a glass or £15.60 on a bottle. The most popular time to take the first sip is 8pm.
Available exclusively via giveaway, the Sip Swatch launches on Tuesday, July 21. To be in with a chance of winning, shoppers need to email their full name to Aldiroseswatch@aldi.co.uk.
Sam Caporn MW’s top rosé tips for summer
1. Do not be afraid of ice: Adding ice to rosé is not the crime some wine drinkers think it is, especially on a hot day. The French Riviera style, known as en piscine, means serving rosé in a large goblet style glass with plenty of ice. It works best with fruity, bright rosés that can stand up to being chilled right down.
2. Do not judge a rosé by its colour: Pale rosé is often seen as the safest choice, but it does not automatically mean better quality. Lighter shades tend to be delicate and crisp, while darker rosés can offer deeper red fruit flavours. The colour is about style, not quality, so do not be afraid to try something different.
3. Drink it fresh: Rosé is usually at its best when it is young, ideally within a year of its vintage date. Unlike some fine reds, it is not a wine that generally improves with age. Look for the most recent vintage you can find to enjoy bright, fruity and refreshing flavours.
4. Serve it properly chilled: The biggest mistake is serving rosé either too warm or so cold that the flavour disappears. It should be refreshing, but not frozen into submission. Chill it well, then give it a few minutes out of the fridge before pouring.
5. Pimp it up for summer: Rosé is versatile, so it can be dressed up for picnics, BBQs and garden parties. Fresh berries or slices of strawberry can bring out its red fruit notes. For something bolder, a slice of jalapeño can add a subtle kick.
