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Rihanna, pictured above, responsibly imbibing wine with her dear platonic friend, Aubrey
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Barbadian songstress Robyn Rihanna Fenty once decreed, ‘Cheers to the freakin’ weekend, I drink to that, hell yeah.’
It’s a powerful, universal sentiment that’s only made slightly intolerable by the caterwauling of Avril Lavigne, but nevertheless, it rings true now more than ever as we stare down the barrel of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (sorry, WA and Queensland – your time will come).
This weekend also brings with it a far less somber occasion than the reminder that we still live under the thumb of an archaic monarchy as Saturday is National Rosé Day, and thanks to an unseasonably warm winter there has never been a better time to drink wine.
Once considered a chief signifier of a basic personal brand, rosé is a far more versatile beverage than your Instagram feed would have you believe. That’s what Adam Chapman, chief winemaker of Sirromet and a man with over 30 years of viticultural experience told GRAZIA when we asked him to make a case for drinking rosé in winter, which – it should be noted – is not a very hard case to make.
“Rosé is one of the most versatile wines when it comes to pairing with food,” says Chapman. “Whether the wine compliments the flavour of the food or vice versa, there is a rosé or sparkling rosé for almost every type of food and occasion, making rosé a great wine to drink year round.
“Rosés can vary widely from the most pale pinks to darker hued bordering on red, and while many tend to steer towards the darker-hued, fuller-bodied types in winter, there’s no reason to ignore the lighter and sparkling options just because of the season.”
Unconvinced? Have another glass.
Chapman recommends you take a fusion approach by pairing your hearty winter dishes of the Italian persuasion – especially pasta, risotto or pizza – with rosé to compliment the wine’s citrus flavours. Should carbs no longer present a viable option, opt instead for a sparkling rosé to pair with a salad “with extra substance”. You’ll doubtlessly agree that the “crispness of the rosé pairs [well] with a filling salad.”
“Opening the door to rosé in winter offers the opportunity to broaden the flavours, textures, and colours you add to your food and embracing the versatility of rosé will add vibrancy to winter meals.”
Still not convinced? It’s not like you need an article to validate your life choices. You do you this weekend, and drink whatever you want. But should you still need persuading, I’ll leave you with these thirteen priceless words:
‘Iconic winemaker and child star come good, Drew Barrymore, drinks rosé in winter.’
I’ll drink that that, hell yeah.
Drew Barrymore makes a hard won case for drinking rosé during inclement weather
Credit: Instagram
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Cover image: Courtesy of Instagram
