In the past few years, millennials launched the rosé renaissance, restoring the pink drink’s reputation and returning it to its rightful place as one of the top picks for summer sipping. Given that D.C. is a city full of millennials, it’s no surprise that folks in the capital city drink more rosé per capita than any other place in the country, according to 2017 data from Wine Access, a wine discovery platform.
However, a beautiful rosé wine can’t rise to the top on the backs of one generation, though, so the other generations, in their infinite wisdom, have also discovered the joys of a well-crafted bottle of rosé, such as The Palm by Whispering Angel, from the makers of iconic Provence rosés Château d’Esclans. The Palm rosé is dangerously drinkable, particularly during these sweltering summer months, when everyone in the district is looking for a way to feel the slightest hint of refreshment while still enjoying the sunshine on a patio, rooftop, backyard—or anywhere that the company is good and the rosé is flowing.
The Perfect Summer Sip
When picking a bottle of rosé, there’s always a risk that the brightest part of a glass of rosé is going to be its color, and the actual flavor profile will be uninspired, even insipid—or, worse, the cloyingly sweet flavor of the pink wines so prevalent during the college years.
To reduce that risk, it’s vital to know what to look for in a bottle of rosé. It’s probably not a surprise that France produces the most rosé out of all the wine-producing countries in the world, around 30 percent, and its famous Provencal rosés are one of the most refreshing options. Roses from this region also tend to be light in color, yet incredibly dry, which makes for an invigorating beverage when it’s chilled to the ideal temperature of very, very cold.
The Palm by Whispering Angel is comprised mostly of Grenache grapes, which are dry (zero sugar), tangy and fruity, with the addition of Cinsault and Syrah to round it out. This blend creates a pale pink hue, aromatic freshness on the nose and a crisp and suave finish. Being so fruit friendly, it is the perfect millennials rosé.
Pairing with Summer Eats
Rosé from Provence is dry, and it’s refreshing—but what else makes it so desirable to the D.C. population? Perhaps it’s how beautifully it pairs with the favorite foods of the summer season, such as grilled meat. While most reach for a bold red when enjoying a steak from the grill, rosé offers many of the same qualities without the heaviness of red, which can be difficult to stomach when the heat index has topped 100 degrees.
Of course, there’s nothing like summer in the DMV when you’re sitting in front of table piled with blue crabs, steamed shrimps, clams and other seafood treasures. A crisp white could be the glass of choice for some, but a glass of The Palm rosé takes the quintessential summer meal to the next level.
Rosé in the USA
It’s not only Washington, D.C., that’s loving on rosé all day during the summer months. Sales of rose grew by 53 percent in volume sales between 2016 and 2017, significantly outpacing the overall category, which grew by 4 percent, according to research from Nielsen. It’s clearly not only the District that’s enjoying bottles of The Palm rosé, but smart sippers across the country. Join them by picking up a bottle of The Palm by Whispering Angel, and enjoying the hot D.C. summer with a refreshing glass of rose in hand.
