Wine and an occasion have always been close compatriots. Whether it’s weddings, birthdays, celebrations, or the casual Friday afternoon braai, having a bottle on hand usually makes the occasion. Finding a bottle that fits every occasion, though, has traditionally been trickier. One particular pink coloured wine has in recent years staked its claim as the ultimate all-rounder.
The relationship between wine and celebration is hardly a modern invention. For thousands of years, wine has held a place at the table. Ancient Greek and Roman societies enjoyed wine for the role it played in hospitality, ceremonies and social gatherings. Wine was often considered part of the experience rather than simply a drink to accompany it. The Romans overtly understood the pleasure of pairing wine and fare, with local ingredients and regional wines naturally finding their way onto the same tables.
Some of the earliest wines produced by the ancient Greeks and Romans were lighter in colour than many of the deeply coloured reds we know today. Winemaking techniques were very different from those used now, but the principle was familiar: wine was made to be enjoyed with food, conversation and company.
Rosé also has a particularly strong connection to the Mediterranean, where lighter-coloured wines have been enjoyed alongside regional cuisine for centuries.
Rosé has evolved considerably over the centuries, but its enduring appeal lies in versatility. A refined dry rosé can accompany an afternoon gathering just as beautifully as it can a candlelit dinner. Its freshness and delicate fruit character make it particularly suited to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, charcuterie, fresh cheeses, seafood and seasonal salads. And when the afternoon stretches into evening, there is no need to change the bottle.
Lanzerac’s Jonkershoek Pinotage Rosé is the epitome of an any-occasion wine. Elegant enough for a special occasion, refreshing enough for a leisurely afternoon, versatile enough to accompany everything from delicate seafood to a South African braai. Rosé has an effortless ability to belong wherever the moment takes you.
