While Rosé Day has come and gone, it doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating all things pink!

Rose1

Rosé is characteristically a fun, vibrant pink colour and is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Think garden parties and leisurely lunches under the golden sun or curling up next to a roaring fire, draped in a the coziest of blankets while enjoying a refreshing glass of rosé. The versatility doesn’t stop there as, luckily for us, rosé also proves to be a great pairing wine!

Here are six great South African rosés and their perfect pink pairings:

Painted Wolf the den Pinotage Rose: With grapes grown near the heart of wine production in Paarl in the Cape Winelands, this rosé is sure to tickle you pink. Painted Wolf Den Pinotage Rosé is a bright and fruity wine. Look for strawberry, cherry and cranberry flavours that are complemented by mineral undertones and a fresh taste that lingers on the palate.

Pairing: This wine goes well with strong flavours such as garlic. Pair with peri-peri prawns, lemon chicken (created greek-style), calamari, fish and chips and a variety of meze and tapas options.

Allée Bleue Starlette Shiraz Rosé: This dry rose hails from the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. A stunning cherry blossom colour, this is a fruity wine that comes with a hint of spiciness. Look for flavours such as candy floss and raspberry complemented by strawberry and rose aromas.

Pairing: Enjoy this fruity dry rosé with smokey lamb and rosemary or with crisp bruschetta topped with salami.

Babylonstoren Mourvedre Rose: This enchanting light salmon pink coloured wine is a great pick from the picturesque Babylonstoren in the Franschhoek Wine Valley. An elegant and dry rosé with aromas filled with raspberries and rose petals. Tastes of strawberry yoghurt, candy floss (completed by a subtle pinch of acidity) are evident in this delightful rosé.

Pairing: This is a wine that pairs fabulously with foods as pink as it is. Pair it with salmon, trout, slow roasted beetroot or juicy strawberries.

South Hill Dry Rosé: A wine grown and bottled in the Elgin valley, South Hill Dry Rosé has a rich, salmon colour and a characteristic rosé flavour profile. Look for aromas of candy floss and strawberry on the nose complemented by a crisp, dry, refreshing slightly fruity taste.

Pairing: This is a Rosé that is great as a refresher in the warmer weather. Pair with light salad and pasta dishes. It also goes fantastically seafood, grilled fish and goats cheese.

Wellington Moscato Frizzante: Sweetly pink in colour, this rose comes with a light fizzy kick that gives it a special zest. The delicate bubbles accompanied by flavours of candy floss, Turkish delight, rose water and even a hint of raspberry cheesecake are sure to delight the palate.

Pairing: This is a great versatile wine that pairs well with most food. Pair is with sweet or savoury brunch foods or enjoy as a desert wine after a delicious dinner.

Akkerdal Shiraz Grenache (SK) Rosé: The Akkerdal SK Rosés pink hue captures the essence of a sunset. This is a refreshing and fruity wine. Take a sip and taste a lush combination of berry and citrus flavours which are rounded off with sweet aromas of strawberry and candy floss.

Pairing: This Rosé pairs perfectly with lobster, chicken or soft, rich cheese such as brie or camembert. Additionally, enjoy it alongside a selection of pink meat such as pork chops, grilled pork or a baked ham.

If you are enjoying your rosé out on the town, for the best taste experience, ensure your rosé is served chilled (between 10 -15C). If you are snuggled up at home but still want the ultimate pink experience it is s simple to buy wine online and have it delivered right to your doorstep. Pop the bottle in the fridge for a few hours, or alternatively in the freezer for 30 minutes, prepare your perfect pink pairing and enjoy!