As we head into the summer months it’s time to ask yourself if your rosé wine section is offering what the consumer wants. More importantly are your Rosés capitalising on the extra sales.
The last two months we have already seen a 42% increase in sales within the Rosé category compared to the previous two months. With such a massive increase in sales, you’d surely expect there to be more choice offered on wine menus. Often this certainly isn’t the case, with the majority of wine menus only reserving two to three options for rosé wines.
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of only having Pinot Grigio Rosé and White Zinfandel as your rosé options. This not only restricts the choice for the customer but also limits the profits you can generate. The more options you have to entice your customer in to trying something new produces more opportunities for upselling better rosés.
Interesting Rose Options
Provence Rosé
One of the first places to start would be that of Provence Rosé. With its signature pale colour, Provence rose has now established itself as its own “brand”, in the same ilk as Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Argentinian Malbec.
We have several options available from Provence, including this Diamarine Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé. With their unique knowledge of the special wine growing conditions in the region of Provençal the vintners of Estandon Vignerons have been cultivating Provençal vineyards for several generations. The wine making facilities are located close to the vineyards with a total of 19 wineries spread throughout the Provence. Well known for its expertise in creating vintage wines, the winery located in Brignoles is the largest in Provence.
As you’d expect from a rosé of this region it is pale pink, very expressive on the nose. Deliciously tangy on the palate with fresh fruit and citrus peel aromas leading to a very elegant finish.
American Rosé
The American wine makers are ones of a more playful nature when it comes to making rosé wines. A prime example of this would be a fine collaboration between Charles Bieler & Charles Smith. Wanting to make great wines from Washington State. The project has been going for over 10 years now and the winery goes from strength to strength selecting their favourite varieties to showcase what they can do.
The Charles & Charles Rosé is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet & Mouvedre, offering an aromatic nose of raspberries and cherry, a light but dynamic palate with a tangy bright finish. Made with grapes grown in vineyards that spread across the Columbia Valley, from the sandy basins to the higher elevation slopes with ancient soils.
Interesting Rosé Options
Creating more interest in the Rosés will satisfy the more adventurous customers who are willing to try new wines and happy to pay more for them. We have found that our Nika Tiki Marlborough Sauvignon Rose ticks this box whilst still being a nod to the familiar.
As always at House of Wine, we make sure we have a selection of Organic and Vegan friendly options throughout our portfolio.
A cost-effective way to introduce Organic wines into the Rosé category is this Finca Fabian Rosado from Jesus Fernandez and his sister Ruth (oenologist) who, in 2005 founded an organic vineyard and winery on the old family estate with its sandy loam soil, rich in limestone. At an altitude of 750m in Las Pedroneras, midway between Madrid and Valencia, they produce keenly priced and very drinkable wines with unique personalities, according to the centuries old Spanish tradition of sustainable agriculture.
Give The Customers What They Want
As the weather continues to improve so does that appetite for good rosé wines. By being prepared and extending your selection you’ll be in a position to give the customer what they want and increasing your profits at the same time.
Staff training is essential when wanting to give the customer the best experience possible and recommend wines with confidence. The best way to maximize the up-sale and capture every opportunity is to make sure your team is tooled with the knowledge to guide your customers in the direction.