LA VIE EN ROSÉ

Summer’s here, and fingers crossed, it’s here to stay. So let’s celebrate it and give up our ruby or tawny reds. Or gold whites even! Let’s see our lives in pink for a change. That’s right! Let’s live la vie en rosé.

Rosé is up and coming, and coming fast. It’ll probably be a very hot summer in England and its refreshing and bright personality will make it even better. Peachy, orangey, rose-pink and near carmine, it makes your table look festive and fills the evening with excitement. The best way to enjoy it is to sip it, let it linger on your palate and be pretty in pink. Vivre le rosé!

If you still find yourself resisting its refreshing and flamboyant charms, you are among the unlucky few who feel sad and deprived. Give it up and enjoy your life in pink. The summer is short!

To become an immediate convert try:

2005 Chateau de Sours, Bordeaux, Merlot 100%, 13% (to be served chilled at 10-12°)

(Majestic: £7.99 or £6.39 for any two rosés)

Its glorious intense pink has the power to fascinate and revive even the saddest of us. Its aromas of red cherry and raspberry, tinned strawberry and rose water may breathe new life into tired and tortured souls. It’s well structured and beautifully balanced with medium body, good acidity and slightly off-dry. Red cherry, tinned strawberry and rose petals on the palate.

Ideal as an aperitif; amazingly and contrary to the rules, it goes well with strawberry cheese cake (but not with fresh strawberries). It takes away the sweetness of the cheese cake and complements the strawberry flavours.

Goes well with chicken or any light dinner. Don’t be shy to experiment.