It is understood that the earliest wines were made by just placing a mixture of grapes in a fermenting tank, and there was no thought of using some to make red wines and some to make white.

Added to that, the ancient Greeks believed that only Barbarians would drink them “straight” and so they often added water. The result was that they had a degree of colour that we would call rosé today.

When wines were introduced to France it was still normal practice to throw all grapes into the same pot as it were. Even in the Middle Ages, when the Brits discovered bordeaux, they called these wines clarets, due to their lighter red, or almost rosé-like colour. The fact is that this was the norm for millennia and a few centuries ago I imagine that you could not venture into Ye Olde Wine Shoppe and select from red, white, and rosé on the shelf. Not so today. And so with the summer here let us look at a few more of the “original wines”.

We have the perfect answer for those Greeks of yore. No need to water down Freixenet Legero Sparkling Rosé as it has been created by this renowned sparkling wine producer of Spain for those that wish to have an alcohol-free sparkling experience. The colour is pale bright yellow with persistent bubbles. On the nose there are refreshing tropical notes and elegant citrus hints. The taste is lively, fruity, and especially refreshing and the very well-balanced acidity and the medium-size bubbles produce a very pleasant mouthfeel. The result is a refreshing drink developed after years of consumer research and technical development. The price of $15 reflects the fact that no “sin tax” must be paid to our government. (Stock #9110).

While on the topic of bubbles, a most enjoyable one is Mirabeau La Folie Sparkling Provence Rosé that is created from a blend of 50 per cent grenache, 45 per cent syrah and 5 per cent colombard grapes. The winery describes it this way: “Light and bright pink colour, violet reflexes with a fine stream of elegant bubbles. A lovely balance of rich and fresh aromas on the nose with apricot, yellow peach, melon, passion fruit, all tied up by a subtle lavender honey note. Tense yet ample, with a refreshing acidity that gives depth to a creamy and white fruit flavoured profile. Perfect for an indulgent brunch and all festive occasions.” $27.95 (Stock #8249).

The 2021 Mirabeau Classic Rosé is not shy when it comes to grapes as they use grenache, syrah, cinsault, carignan, rolle, and even a few more in their blend. They pick them all at night to get the optimum balance in their fruit and keep the temperature cool during fermentation to maximise the pure fruit flavours. On the nose of ripe wild strawberries and raspberry compote, there is a gentle spice note brought by the syrah. On the palate find a feast of red summer fruits, a hint of pepper, with complexity, length, and a fresh saline finish. A joyful rosé that will partner a host of dishes, especially spicy and aromatic Mediterranean foods. $25.60 (Stock #8251).

Our 2021 Gérard Bertrand Cote Des Roses Languedoc Rosé is such a good example of how to package and sell wine. The bottom of the bottle, designed by a French art student, is cut in such a way that when it absorbs its colour from the wine, it takes on the character of a lovely cut rose flower. What a perfect gift! The wine itself is a real classic from warm and windy vineyards on the French coast. Expect bright flavours of summer fruits, cassis, redcurrant, roses and grapefruit. It’ll be fantastic with baked white fish and fresh seasonal salads. $25.75 (Stock #7298).

Moving on to New Zealand we have 2020 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir Rosé from Marlborough. The winery includes a delicate touch of chardonnay, and the result is vibrant red berries, fragrant summer blossoms and refreshing citrus notes. Canadian critic Natalie MacLean writes of “bright cherry, strawberry and fresh melon aromas with a vibrant, citrus finish”. $24.60 (Stock #6912).

Our 2021 Santa Margherita Trevenezie Rosé comes from the family that figured out, many years ago, that a white wine could be made from their dusty darkish pinot grigio grapes, and this opened a whole new category that has become so popular today. But that is not our story today.

In their words it is a chance to “experience the beauty of a bright rosé that captures the legacy of the Tre Venezie wine region in Northeast Italy”.

“Featuring chardonnay from the mountainous area of Trentino, sauvignon blanc grown near the warm shores of the Adriatic Sea, and a touch of Venetian pinot nero for that delightful red fruit perfume and delicate hue, Santa Margherita rosé is a tribute to our founder Count Gaetano Marzotto’s beloved Venetian region, and a sophisticated wine that lends itself to all seasons.

“While its iconic pale hue, reminiscent of a Venetian sunset, will captivate you, its delightful floral profile will please your palate, again and again.”

They continue: “Santa Margherita rosé is lively and vibrant with fresh acidity and balance, with a pale pink hue and a uniquely light, floral taste derived from our meticulous vinification process. The perfect accompaniment to most any meal, Santa Margherita rosé pairs well with salads including classic Caesar and Niçoise, appetisers, pasta and risotto dishes, grilled meats, seafood, and soft cheeses.” $24.35 (Stock #8884).

This column is a paid for advertorial for Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. written by Michael Robinson. He can be contacted at mrobinson@bll.bm. Burrows Lightbourn have stores in Hamilton (Front Street East. 295-1554) and Paget (Harbour Road, 236-0355). A selection of their wines, beers and spirits is available online at www.wineonline.bm.