Rosé Reborn: From Naff to Necessary
Kent wine communicator Natalia Suta on why it’s time for rosé to come in from the cold
Rosé Reborn: From Naff to Necessary
There was a time when drinking rosé was considered a bit naff – we’re talking white Zinfandel at hen-dos or that suspiciously sweet Pinot Blush with a label designed in Microsoft Word 2003. If you remember, you’ll know the trauma. Fast-forward a few years and pink wine has undergone a full-blown glow-up.
These days, rosé is more sophisticated, more stylish and, frankly, more delicious than ever. And with summer around the corner, there’s never been a better time to reach for the pink stuff.
A KISS FROM A ROSÉ
Let’s start with the basics: how is rosé made? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a mix of red and white wine (except in Champagne, where they get a free pass). In fact, blending red and white wines is outright banned in many parts of the world, including the EU. Instead, rosé is made from black grapes, where the grape skins are only left in contact with the juice for a short time – usually just a few hours. That short skin contact is enough to give the wine its blush hue, along with a touch of texture and delicious, red-fruited flavours. The exact colour and style of rosé depends on the grape variety used and how long the winemaker leaves the skins in contact with the juice.
That fleeting skin contact is also what makes rosé so versatile. It’s the little black dress of the wine world: chic and flattering and it works for almost any occasion. Light and crisp rosés made from Pinot Noir or Grenache are perfect for lazy lunches, seafood and salads. Bolder styles, like those made from Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, can handle grilled meats, spicy dishes and anything you might char on a barbecue. And then there’s sparkling rosé, which is basically summer in a glass and pairs with everything from strawberries to celebrations.
But of course all that versatility counts for nothing if you don’t serve it properly. Rosé should be served chilled but not arctic. Somewhere around 8-10°C is ideal – cool enough to refresh, warm enough to taste. Let it sit out for a few minutes if it’s fridge-cold. And when it comes to glassware, give it the respect it deserves. A tulip-shaped wine glass will help concentrate those delicate aromas, which is more than your old chipped picnic tumbler can say.
FAMILY FOLC
If you’re looking to level up your rosé game this summer, allow me to introduce you to Folc. This modern English wine brand is putting homegrown rosé firmly on the map. Folc (Old English for ‘people’ in case you’re wondering) was launched in 2019 by Elisha Rai and Tom Cannon, who wanted to create a wine that could rival Provence for elegance, quality and best-in-class sipping… minus the pretension. And, frankly, they’ve nailed it – Folc is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s standout rosés.
But it’s not just about what’s in the glass. The brand is built on values of community, inclusivity and breaking down the snobbery that still clings to parts of the wine world like a bad cork taint. Folc is about championing local family-run vineyards, supporting skilled growers and giving English wine the spotlight it deserves. Their ethos is simple: back local, drink sustainably and enjoy great wine without the gatekeeping.
Folc’s flagship rosé is a crisp, dry blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and other varieties, all sourced from vineyards in Kent and East Sussex. It’s pale and elegant, with notes of wild strawberry, grapefruit and white peach – the kind of wine that makes you want to cancel your plans and just sit in the sun all afternoon. And thanks to the naturally higher acidity brought on by England’s cooler climate, it finishes bright, zesty and moreish. Dangerously moreish.
BLUSH BLEND
But this summer, Folc is doing something new – and rather clever. It’s just unveiled its first multi-vintage rosé: a blend of 2023 and 2024 harvests, created to maintain consistency in a year when the weather didn’t play nice. Rather than compromise, Folc decided to cherry-pick the best of both vintages – think of it as the wine equivalent of having your cake and eating it.
The result is a beautifully balanced rosé made from seven grape varieties. It’s fresh, floral and brimming with red-berry charm, with just enough complexity to impress your wine-geek friends. It’s a dream pairing for a classic niçoise salad, fresh prawns, or even fish and chips (yes, really!). If you’re feeling fancy, try it with grilled peaches and burrata. Or just pour a glass and drink it with crisps. You can pick up a bottle at Ocado, Amazon or directly from Folc.
Whatever your rosé perception – sceptic, seasoned sipper, or somewhere in between – Folc makes a pretty compelling case for pouring pink this summer. In fact, it might be the only accessory you need.
Natalia Suta (@_winerocks_) is a Kent-based WSET-certified wine communicator on a noble mission to free wine from the snobbery through making hilarious edutainment videos and doing chillaxed wine-tastings along the south-east coast. She is a passionate explorer of the best wine and dine venues in Kent. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!