MAY 31, 2020 • WINE SPECTATOR 75
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years. Additionally, I would expect to see
the pricing spectrum shift from primarily
inexpensive to more mid-tier options as
producers cash in on the demand.
KEVIN BRATT, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak
& Stone Crab
The future of rosé looks very much like the
future of Champagne in the ’80s, meaning
bright.
JACQUES CARIOT, Bleu Provence
I think we will start to see it growing in the
superpremium category (we are starting to
see this already) but also with alternative
packaging, such as cans, offering high qual-
ity wines. Cans especially make sense based
on the quick turnaround on rosé from pro-
duction to consumption.
BRAHM CALLAHAN,
Himmel Hospitality Group
Unfortunately with demand comes over-
saturation, and that is evident in just the
sheer number of rosés I’ve seen proposed
for our wine program over the past few
What do
you think is
next for this
category?
“Rosé wines are growing up.
They are becoming drier and
more terroir-oriented, with a
capacity to age that had not
been explored until now. I
did a vertical tasting recently
of 20 vintages of Château de
Pibarnon from Bandol, which
was amazing.”
I think rosé will grow in seriousness and
have a more important seat at the table
when it comes to pairing with a wider
range of dishes. The days of just producing
rosé as an afterthought runoff of the fer-
mentation tank to concentrate a red wine
are declining. At the same time, I do feel
the market is flooded with lesser-quality
options that could cloud the waters for
consumers. Sommeliers and wine buyers
will need to ensure they are choosing
wisely and properly guiding their guests
toward the right options.
BRIAN PHILLIPS, Darden Restaurants
DAVID RIDGWAY
Head sommelier, Tour d’Argent, Paris
GRAND AWARD
Jacques Cariot’s Bleu Provence
David Ridgway
WS053120_sommsRose.indd 75 3/18/20 11:20 AM