The longer it is left in contact with the skins after being pressed, the darker the wine. Let’s say that if you leave those skins in contact with that Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon for only 8 to 12 hours instead of weeks or months — a beautiful Rosé is born.

Pink wine is one of the most cherished and misunderstood.
By John Fanning, Democrat & Chronicle

For wine writers, it can be all too easy to fall into patterns. Bold red wines every winter, sparkling around the holidays, and the inevitable rosé column every summer.

But I'm still relatively new to writing for this magazine, so I think I'm allowed one summertime rosé column, right? I promise it will be my first and last.

Pink wine is one of the most cherished and misunderstood. Let's get the old white Zinfandel issue out of the way quickly so we can focus on true, classic rosé wines.

Allan Mullins here, Chair of Rosé Rocks!, with another update.

Hope we are all enjoying the crisp, cold weather in the Cape. It may be cold outside but things are heating up here at Rosé Rocks! HQ.

We are truly delighted with the response to the expansion of the categories for the competition.

Just a quick reminder of what the new categories are:

1. Dry Rosé  5,0 g/l and lower
2. Off-dry Rosé  5,1 to 12 g/l
3. Semi-sweet Rosé  12,1 to 20 g/l
4. Sweet Rosé  20,1 g/ l and higher
5. MCC Rosé 

As a result of the two additional categories being added, there has been a flurry of new entries. Thank you and keep them coming.

In other news, we are moving dates to align with logistics. The new dates are as follows:

• Closing date for entries for Rosé Rocks! is now 26th August 2015. 
• Delivery of wine to judging venue takes place on 7th & 8th September 2015. 
• Dates of the judging have been moved to 9th & 10th September 2015.
• Winners will be announced within 3 weeks of the competition.

We will send a reminder out 2 weeks prior to the due delivery date to all the wines who have entered, once again outlining all the details you will need for delivery.

If you have any queries, questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact us on 021 671 0751 or email info@spill.co.za.  

Next week we'll begin introducing you to the judges who are on the panel. 
Stay tuned! 

Until next time, as we all know, 
ROSÉ ROCKS!

Allan Mullins

By Geoff Bland, The State Journal-Register

For 10 years I have championed the merits of dry rosé as a perfect wine for summer. It was a tough sell, in the early years, as most American consumers were burned out on sweet, syrupy white zinfandel. Little did they know the immense pleasure that can be found in full-bodied, dry rosé wines — refreshing, flavor filled and delicious, these wines are perfect on the patio and also superb with food.Going back a decade, the options were limited and mostly from southern France, Spain and Italy. No more. The popularity of rosé has exploded and the selections just keep getting better. It amuses me to see every wine magazine now on the market preaching the gospel of rosé.

The lovely scent and vivacious, tangy flavour of rosé makes it perfect for using in cocktails. What are you waiting for?
By Susy Atkins, The Telegraph

It’s that rosé time of year - and of course usually we just chill our pinks, simply pouring them on their own as refreshing aperitifs, or as partners for seafood, charcuterie, salads, fresh fruit...

But in case you get bored of your rosé, you can easily make cocktails with it. Here are some ideas to get you started. Bear in mind that styles of rosé vary a great deal, from crisp and bone-dry to richer, juicy and medium-sweet, and, of course, sparkling. If it matters which style you use in a particular cocktail recipe, I have said so below - otherwise, just pour your favourite pink. But (important, this) always ensure your rosé is fresh and young, as its lovely scent and vivacious, tangy flavour should stand out, even in a cocktail.

New Categories

I’m delighted to report the entries just keep rolling in, and it's great to see.  Thank you to everyone who has entered so far, keep those entries coming.
 
After a number of queries on the categories and some very strong lobbying from the Elgin region, we have made the decision to add two new categories. This is to facilitate everyone who wants to enter this competition and didn’t feel that there was a suitable category for their wine to enter.
 
There will now be five categories; here is the line up: 

1. Dry Rosé  5,0 g/l and lower
2. Off-dry Rosé  5,1 to 12 g/l
3. Semi-sweet Rosé  12,1 to 20 g/l
4. Sweet Rosé  20,1 g/ l and higher
5. MCC Rosé 

For all the wines that have already entered, we're very clear about the category that your wine will be entered into.  If you have any questions or queries on these new categories please make contact with us: email at info@spill.co.za or telephone 021 671 0751.

In other news, I joined Twitter just three days ago and it’s a whole new world.  I’m @AllanMullinsSA.
 
Why not take a look at the Twitter account for this competition? There is great content on @RoseRocksSA and don’t forget to check out our NEW website at www.roserocks.co.za.

As I’ve said previously, I really believe that the Rosé Wine category in South Africa has a fantastic future. So be part of the journey and enter this brand new competition, a first for SA.

Until next time, as we all know, 
ROSÉ ROCKS!

Allan Mullins