A glass of rose wine can make for a perfect summer sipper or a romantic evening drink. This versatile wine not only looks striking in the glass, but it also embodies a perfect blend of red and white wine qualities.
Rose wine is often considered a go-to for those who like to sip on lighter and fruitier wines.
However, not just any food will do when it comes to pairing with rose wine. To make the best of your bottle of rose, so, what is the best food to pair with rose wine?
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party at home or enjoying a meal on the patio, here are some of the best food pairings with rose wine.
15 Best Food to Pair with Rose Wine
1. Pair Rosé with Light Salads
Rosé wine is an excellent accompaniment to light salads. The light and fruity flavor of Rosé wine complement the lightness of these dishes without overwhelming their flavors.
A simple salad with fresh greens, herbs, and a light vinaigrette is a perfect pairing with Rosé wine.
2. Go for Bold Flavors with Charcuterie Boards and Cheese Platters
Rosé wine also pairs well with charcuterie boards and cheese platters that have bold flavors.
These delicately balanced wines complement the salty and savory flavors and contrasting textures of the meat and cheese.
Pair salty cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or ham with Rosé wines with mineral or earthy notes.
You can also complement the rich and creamy flavors of cheese with Rosé wines that have a raspberry or citrus flavor.
3. Light Pasta Dishes with Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is versatile and performs well with pasta dishes as well. Light pasta dishes like seafood pasta (recipe), garlic pasta, and carbonara are great options to pair with Rosé.
The acidity from the wine works perfectly with the pasta’s creaminess and the sauce’s richness.
Another pairing to consider is a Rosé wine with tomato-based sauce in pasta dishes like Pomodoro or Arabiatta, which will emphasize the wine’s fruity flavor.
4. Pair Rosé with Spicy Dishes
Rosé wine has a delicate sweetness that works well with spicy foods. The wine’s sweetness helps tone down the spiciness of a dish while the acidity and fruitiness balance the flavors.
Try pairing Rosé wine with spicy Indian or Thai dishes, hot wings, or spicy fish tacos.
You can also go for a colorful spread of spicy dips and salsas at a party and pair it with a chilled bottle of Rosé.
5. Light Desserts with Rosé Wine
Pairing wine with desserts can be tricky. However, Rosé wine’s delicate sweetness and light flavor profile make it an excellent partner for light desserts.
For instance, a stone fruit tart, a berry sorbet, or a shortbread cookie can bring out the wine’s fruity flavors. A honey-based dessert such as baklava or a cheesecake with raspberry coulis is another fantastic pairing to try.
Discover More: Best Desserts and Wine Pairings
6. Seafood
Rose wine has a refreshing quality that makes it an amazing pairing with seafood dishes, particularly those that are lightly cooked.
You can pair Rose with prawns, scallops, calamari or grilled fish, enhancing the sweet and salty briny taste of seafood.
The acidity in rose wine is a wonderful equalizer to the surf and turf flavor profile. The hint of floral and red fruit flavor in a rose wine can even make standard seafood dishes like fried shrimp or raw oysters taste luxurious.
7. BBQ
A summer night barbecue is incomplete without a glass of rose wine. The fruity notes of rose wine pair well with the smoky flavors of the BBQ.
When it comes to BBQ, a few types of meat are more robust than a grilled steak, and pairing it with rose wine is just perfect. It’s a delicate match that lifts the richness of the steak while providing a refreshing taste.
You can also pair rose wine with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers, to name a few.
Explore More: The Perfect Side Dishes To Serve With BBQ Shrimp
8. Pizza and Pasta
Rose wine is a great partner for pizza and pasta dishes. It’s light and crisp flavor complements the tomato sauce, and the acidity in the tomato enhances the wine’s fruitiness.
9. Sushi
Rose wine’s light flavors make it an excellent choice for sushi, specifically with rolls that include crab or shrimp.
10. Meat
Rose wine is a great match for lighter meats like chicken and turkey, but it also works with beef, pork tenderloin, and lamb; however, make sure it’s not overly fatty.
Find Out More: Delicious Side dishes to Serve with Meat Pies
11. Vegetarian Dishes
Rose wine works well with vegetarian dishes, especially those that are lighter and fresh, like salads, risotto, or vegetable pasta dishes.
12. Mediterranean Cuisine
Mediterranean flavors and rose wine are a perfect match. It pairs nicely with dishes like tabbouleh, grilled eggplant, and hummus.
13. Chinese Cuisine
Rose wine is also an excellent pairing with Chinese cuisine with dishes such as General Tso’s Chicken, Kung Pao Tofu, and Vegetable Stir Fry.
14. Mexican Cuisine
Rose wine can also pair well with Mexican cuisine, especially if you are eating dishes with salsa, guacamole, or beans.
15. Thai Cuisine
The sweet fruity flavors of Rose wine pair perfectly with Thai dishes like Pad Thai or Tom Kha Gai soup.
Wrap Up
Rosé wine is a light and refreshing beverage that perfectly complements a variety of dishes.
The pairing possibilities are endless, and a simple change in food pairing can transform your wine and dining experience.
Try experimenting with the above-mentioned suggestions to bring out the best flavors in both your food and wine.
Remember, the key to a perfect wine and food pairing is to balance the flavors, textures, and acidity levels. Happy sipping!
