Switch mode

Summer en Rose

Pretty pink oozes summer vibes and gives sparkling rosé wine its lovely light look and feel. Wine expert Peter Keller confirms that refreshing, lighter wines are a real hit on a warm summer’s day. And sparkling rosé wine ticks all the boxes as a thirst-quenching drink that slips down rather nicely.

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2021 Summer En Rose 01 Daria Minaeva Shutterstock1492982750 Ecirgb

´Sparkling rosé wine has been around for quite some time. They were drinking almost-white wine that had a soft pink hue to it in the Champagne and Alsace regions all the way back in the 16th century. It was the legendary Madame Veuve Clicquot who came up with the idea. She used a red grape variety and invented the riddling rack to aid the remuage process. This involves the bottles being gent-ly shaken to dislodge any sediment towards the cork.´

´Unlike with dry wines, there is the option of mixing white and red wine when creating sparkling varieties. As a general rule, the proportion of red wine is 10–20% – just enough to create that signature pink colour. The brightness is determined by the length of time the grape juice is in contact with the skins. The spectacular palette of potential pinks ranges from pale blush to bright salmon.´

´Sparkling rosé wine is best served at between 10 and 12 degrees in a classic champagne flute. The narrow design is ideal for that beautiful bubbly sensation. White wine glasses are another good option, but champagne coupes are best avoided as the fizz will disappear before you know it.´

“The flavour is largely influenced by the grape varieties used. Pinot Noir is a popular choice with delicate, elegant aromas, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon is a punchier, more decadent option that’s altogether richer and more full-bodied.”

´Women may be attracted to the colour pink and there is no denying that sparkling rosé wine has no end of female fans. But it’s harder to
assess if they’re in the majority, as we don’t have any concrete figures. What we do know is that men do enjoy drinking this on-trend fizz too and often indulge in a glass or two.´

´Sparkling rosé wine works well in cocktails – just try it in a melon and raspberry punch! But it also goes nicely with all kinds of fish dishes. And here’s an inside secret for you: serve it with lamb. The bubbles in the wine cut through that juicy fat and add a welcome light touch to the hearty meat. What more could you want on a warm summer’s day? Just make sure that you go for a dry sparkling wine.´

´Invest in fine sparkling wines. It’s well worth shelling out a little more so you don’t end up with something mass-produced and devoid of character. Rosé champagne is the ultimate bubbly beauty, but you’ll find that fabulous fizz is produced elsewhere, including in Italy (Franciacorta), Spain (Cava), Germany (Winzersekt) and even Switzerland (Schaumwein).´

Related Stories

With the opening of Sachi, Mandarin Oriental Geneva’s latest culinary foray brings a refined spurt of Japanese fare to the banks of the river Rhône in the form of authentic Omakase-style dining.

Discover more

With its riveting mix of trendy venues and innovative world-class restaurants, Switzerland’s gastronomic capital has firmly established itself on the map of culinary destinations for well-travelled gourmets and lovers of sundry cuisine.

Discover more

Hardly any tuber is hipper than beetroot. It has become the favourite vegetable of high-end gastronomy the world over.

Discover more

Combining tradition and modernity is one of Laurent Eperon’s great strengths, and perhaps a clue to why his take on Sauce Normande served with cod reveals a much more delicate blend of flavours than in simpler, home-style cuisine.

Discover more

Chef Maximilian Müller loves horseradish and Japanese knives, dreams of owning a Porsche and admires Austrian chef Eckardt Witzigmann. At home, he often treats himself to a shot or two of Maggi seasoning sauce.

Discover more

A zippy vintage car, striking scenery and some of the finest epicurean destinations the country has to offer. With Switzerland’s landscapes that are nothing short of sensational, what could be more enticing than a road trip through its idyllic scenery starring wondrous mountains and lakes?

Discover more

During the Belle Époque, English aristocrats discovered the ‘Swiss Riviera’ between Montreux and Geneva as a tourist spot famed for its promenades lined with cypress and palm trees against the backdrop of the Alps. And now it’s a hotspot for connoisseurs thanks to its traditional grand hotels, world-class restaurants and idyllic Lavaux Vineyard Terraces.

Discover more