If you’ve been keeping an ear out for wine trends in the last 6 months you will have noticed that Prosecco has a new snazzy-looking cousin making the rounds.
Pink or Rosé Prosecco has recently been given the go-ahead by the Prosecco DOC consortium, meaning that producers can start making and selling pink fizz under the Prosecco label — provided they stick to a set of rules relating to production and style. This is exciting news for wineries like Bottega, with the fast-expanding rosé category offering an unparalleled opportunity to extend their fun-loving range.
Prosecco: now in pink!
The introduction of the Rosé Prosecco DOC appellation is the result of consistent lobbying from producers with vineyard holdings in the region. The aim is to take advantage of increasing consumer demand for all things pink, especially rosé wines. This decision came at a crucial time for Prosecco as, according to Drinks Business, the category had seen a drop-off in sales in the last 12 months in line with reduced alcohol consumption in Europe and the US. According to a May 2020 press release, this new style of Prosecco will generate enough consumer interest to support the production of around 30 million bottles of Rosé Prosecco per year!
More than just a pretty wine
Prosecco is by definition made from the white Glera grape and achieves a fresh flavour and lovely bubbles from tank fermentation. Rosé prosecco is also required to undergo secondary fermentation in a tank, rather than the bottle as is the case with champagne, but with a longer initial ferment, the wine has a chance to take on the characteristic pink hue from the added Pinot Noir (or Nero) grapes. In the glass you can expect pretty florals and apple character like you might expect from a classic Prosecco, but with additional fresh red berry fruit and a more rounded fullness. The Consortium’s specifications for Prosecco Rosé dictate that the sweetness level for Rosé Prosecco falls between Brut Nature and Extra Dry. This means that the wines will lean towards the less sweet end of the spectrum as opposed to the juicy sweetness you might find in a sparkling rosé made from, for example, Moscato.
A post lock-down wine list hero?
The trend for all things pink, illustrated by strong demand for Provence Rosé and flavoured Gins has shown no signs of slowing and is proving to be driven by more than just the novelty factor. The colour pink gives customers a strong visual cue for floral, berry driven flavours and is a powerful factor in drink selection for those seeking something that is both visually delightful and tasty.
With the dual onset of both warm weather and newly reopened hospitality venues, many bar, pub and restaurant-goers will be looking for something novel that speaks to the feeling of celebration at the end of a long winter and national lockdown. A Rosé Prosecco on the wine list, especially by the glass or in small format bottles, will meet this need. It also represents a slightly more premium option to the classic white Prosecco due to the more involved production method and inclusion of pinot noir fruit.
Take a look at our full range of Rosé Prosecco below. If you don’t have an account with us, you can still place an order as a guest for 400 of our most popular products. If you already have an account with us, but don’t usually order online, you can register here.
Il Baco da Seta Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry
Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Rosé
Galanti Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry
About the author
Gabrielle Hutson
Gab found a love for wine (and spirits and beer and coffee!) during her years on the hospitality scene around Australia. The desire to dip her toes into a bigger wine and hospitality industry drove her to London and today she writes, reads and talks non-stop about wine for Matthew Clark's website and social channels.
