Can You Drink Pink in the Winter? Yes!

The other day I was talking to a colleague of mine about how much we both love Rosé. We talked about it being our go-to wine in the summer. But our discussion prompted me to open a bottle of Rosé when I got home from work, and I loved it. This raises the big question: Can you drink pink in the winter? Well, I certainly enjoyed it. But I decided to do some research to validate my enjoyment. After doing so, I can confidently say yes, you can drink pink in the winter.

The “Rules” of the Wine Road

How many of us were taught that you drink pink and white in the summer and red – preferably big, bad and full of tannins – in the winter? I know I was.

Especially in the last 20 or so years, Rosé has become the symbol of summer. When you think of Rosé, you think of backyard get togethers, lazy beach days, cocktail parties and Sunday morning brunches. This beautiful pink drink has clearly been relegated to summer enjoyment.

It’s Time to Break the Rules

Bon Appetit says it brilliantly. “Rosé is good in July…because Rosé is good whenever. But Rosé is best in (drums roll, ears turn, butts move to the edge of their seats) winter. Yes that’s right, winter is the real season for Rosé. Let me explain…Rosé is exhilarating. During a season that’s more or less an emotional nap, I don’t want a glass of bold, hearty red that doubles as a lullaby. I want a drink that’s going to lift me up. I want a lovely, fruit-filled, tantalizingly acidic, assertive slap across the face. And that’s what Rosé gives me.”

In the middle of winter, what’s wrong with drinking something that reminds you of summer?

If I Drink Pink in the Winter, What Should I Choose?

Food&Wine recommends looking for Rosés with substance and richness, since these wines will go great with the heartier foods of winter. They say that the richer Rosés will likely have slightly more alcohol than other Rosés. Some of the grapes that are associated with more substantial Rosés are Granache, Syrah and Mourvedre (thank you, Rhone). Also, Sangiovese produces nice, robust Rosés.

But even if you prefer the lighter, more delicate wines, given that Rosé was released a while ago, the flavors may have grown more complex as the wine has sat in the bottle. Usually, we buy Rosé and drink it so quickly after release that the wine doesn’t have a chance to settle down. Waiting until winter can make a big difference.

And the bottom line is it’s all about what you like.

One final benefit of buying Rosé in the winter is that it will be less expensive, since this wine isn’t popular during cold months.

I hope I’ve motivated you to open some bottles of Rosé! Drink pink this Valentine’s Day – or any day, for that matter.

Cheers!