“Pairs well with red meats” “Perfect with lamb chops” “Try with baked fish” “Excellent with prawns” etc…we all know that there are plenty of excellent food pairing suggestions to try if you’re of a pescatarian or carnivorous persuasion. And bloody (sorry) delicious they are too.

However, with us all gradually waking up to the fact we need to look after this glorious rock that we call home a bit better, and that industrialised farming and over-fishing are quite frankly, bad ideas, a lot of us have been reconsidering our eating habits. Some have gone hell for vegan leather and embraced vegetarianism or veganism completely. Some are just having a few meat-free days a week and wondering how to pair a nice vino with all of those delicate or weighty, earthy or vegetal, piquant or subtle flavours. Well, thankfully, there are some great options to play with, and with Spring weather forecasted to be on the mild side, we felt in the mood for one of the most versatile wine styles out there – rosé.

In the profound words of Steven Tyler “Pink, it’s like red but not quite”

….well no, actually in some ways you could even say its better. This summer holiday favourite combines all the fresh acidity, fruit and the sometimes herbaceous characteristics of a white, with the richer berry fruit and structure of a red wine without the heavier, more astringent tannins that can make pairing red wines with lighter foods such as vegetables, troublesome.

Ranging from the very light-est and crisp-est, with the mer-est whisper of colour, to deeper more gutsy, spicy offerings…there is plenty to choose from in our portfolio. Here are some paired with veggie and vegan dishes that go way beyond a few salad leaves and a crudité.

Rimauresq Cru Classé Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2020/21 (FRI015)   Vegan

Starting with a classic; this is elegant, pale and refined Provencal rosé. The slight herbaceous edge and long finish mean it can handle the vegetal notes of Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini and Lemon Dressing.

La Ruchette Dorée Rosé, AOP Rhône 2020 (FPB9656)   Vegan

Are you the only one that fancies some of the pink stuff? Try this. Full of ripe redcurrant and raspberry fruit, juicy, moreish and pocket sized. Take it for a picnic with Tomato and Olive Tapenade Filo Tart.

Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles Bandol Rosé 2020/21  (FPR032) 

Beautiful, complex and gutsier- than-it-appears Mourvèdre led wine. Do as the locals do and evoke a warm, sultry day in the South of France with Chargrilled Red and Yellow Pepper Ratatouille and crusty bread.

Señorio de Sarria Garnacha Rosado 2021 (ESA031)  Veggie

Classic, full-bodied Navarra rosé that combines delicious ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit with some slight tannic weight that will make it a worthy companion to the aromatic spices in Baby Squash stuffed with Spicy Moroccan Couscous.

Ancora Monferrato Chiaretto 2021 (IAV033)  Vegan

A light, refreshing easy-drinking wine with the juicy acidity to match and complement tomato based Italian dishes. Sip casually alongside Aubergine and Tomato Parmigiana.

Coterie by Wildeberg Cinsault Rosé 2021 (SBO1977)   Vegan

A delicate and pure free run rosé from South Africa’s Coastal Region. Slightly savoury and with a light creaminess, this would make a great lunch with Roasted Asparagus and Ricotta Tart.

Domaine des Tourelles Rosé 2020/21 (LDT003)   Vegan

Ripe strawberry, cherry and a savoury, spicy finish characterise this full-bodied Lebanese pink. Enjoy on a leisurely Sunday with a Mushroom Wellington. A pairing to impress even the most stalwart roast beef and red wine fans….