Chances are, you clicked on this article because you love Rossini, and are itching to read about the magical wine pairings we have in store for you. But, on the off chance that isn’t you, would you humor me? You may not know much about opera or classical music, but I’m willing to bet that you know Rossini. If I asked you what the name “Figaro” reminds you of, would you hum a tune that sounds like this? Yep, that’s Rossini! A post like this is for opera lovers and non-opera lovers alike. Music and wine–and especially the two combined–are for everyone. That said, let me tell you about some fierce Rosé and Rossini pairings we’ve got for you. 

A few weeks ago, the idea to write this article came to my mind. With the intense heat waves July never fails to bring, I wanted nothing more than to drink some refreshing Rosé in the comfort of my apartment. And, if you added some Rossini to the mix, I’d call it the perfect way to spend a day in the midst of a summer heat wave. So, this past week I purchased three rosés to pair with three Rossini songs. Each rosé originated from different places around the world. Like any other thing we consume, the taste of wine is dependent on where it was made. 

I invited two of my girlfriends to my apartment to try these rosés with me. It is important to note that these two ladies are not opera or classical music fanatics. I told them very little about why they needed to try these three rosés to preserve authenticity and to ensure I received their genuine reactions to the wines. 

Let’s dive into our guided rosé & Rossini pairings.

“Calafuria” from Tormaresca, Italy

“On the nose, Calafuria offers fruity notes of peach, pink grapefruit and pomegranate that merge with delicate floral sensations of wisteria flowers. Its palate is supple, bright with pleasing freshness in perfect balance with its aromatic persistence with a delicate savory note on the finish.” (Wine.com)

Ah, yes… the rosé that made us all forget about the scorching-hot weather outside. With a flirtatious hint of bubbly goodness, and a scent just sweet enough for a smile to arise, it’s safe to say this rosé must be paired with a Rossini ingenue. 

After taking a sip, I asked my friends: “What part of a story, or character of a story, does this wine make you think of? Doesn’t matter what kind of story or character, just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.” Without any hesitation, they verbalized thoughts that were dangerously close to my own: “this is a sweet girl who reads in her spare time, she’s everyone’s friend, and is in love with love.”-M. It doesn’t take an opera expert to pair rosé with Rossini; his stories are timeless and reflect honest narratives that we can all find common ground with. 

So, we found a match as close to perfect as can be for Calafuria. The next time you sip on this wine, listen to: “Una Voce Poco Fa” from Il Barbiere Di Siviglia. In short, our dear Rosina is eager to find love with Lindoro. She hears his serenade, which immediately precedes the aria. Just like Calafuria, our Rosina is delightful. But, do not doubt her wits; she is cleverer than you think. 

“Cinsault” from South Africa

“Whale Route rosé of Cinsault is generously aromatic with mouth filling flavors of strawberries and pomegranate. It is a dry rosé, but offers plenty of soft juicy fruit. This wine is a joy to drink and especially hits the spot when sipped outside with your feet up.” (BoulderWine.com)

Friends, I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the most distinct rosé I’ve ever tasted. The Cinsault was an intriguing collection of tangy, pungent, and bitter flavors. With even the smallest sip, your taste buds will be punched into next Tuesday. One friend noted, “I would never pair this with a happy song.” The other responded, “It really hits you towards the end, but shockingly does not have an aftertaste.” While this rosé certainly cannot be described as pleasant, it was definitely an adventure that leaves you wanting more.

Well, we’ve run into a bit of an issue. There is no way this wine can be paired with Rossini. Rossini’s music is not dissonant, nor evil enough to complement this wine. Many times, we set out with ideas to pair wine with a specific type of music. But, sometimes the wine and/or the music tell us we are not on the right path. Pairing music and wine that is simply not a match is not worth your while. Sometimes we have to change our course of action because our senses demand it. 

If I’m looking for a darker quality of classical music, I’d avert my ears to Verdi. One of my favorite Verdi operas that really gets the heart racing is Otello. This tragic storyline and its vicious, turbulent accompaniment will certainly do this wine justice. And now, the match for Cinsault is none other than Iago’s “Credo in un Dio Crudel.” This aria is all about the cruelty Iago, our antagonist has in his heart. Just like Cinsault, Iago’s evil nature leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. 

“Le Cengle” from South-Eastern France

“Expressive nose of exotic fruits with a nice minerality. The palate is fresh and ample, it evolves on white peach and litchi notes. The finish is long accompanied by a nice finesse and freshness.” (Wine-Street.com)

This is the rosé that will keep you on your toes and refuses to be forgotten: initially sweet, but then burns going down. Le Cengle coats your mouth with acidic undertones and refreshing flavors. I posed the same question to my friends (“what part of a story, or character of a story, does this wine make you think of? Doesn’t matter what kind of story or character, just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.”) This time, I really needed their input because I could not figure out who this rosé was pleading to be paired with. 

My friends’ dialogue goes as follows:

“I almost feel like I’d be drinking this at a jazz bar.”-R.

“Hmm, I disagree, I feel like I’d be drinking this while listening to a percussion line.”-M.

“Actually, I’d drink it when we’re at the rising action before the climax–before the main event.”-R.

“It would pair well with a thrilling plot–the wine’s definitely got a thrilling plot.”-M. 

Try this rosé and you’ll taste that “thrilling plot” indeed. Now, as for a thrilling plot, I’d like us to stick with Il Barbiere di Siviglia. As for the character that pushes this thrilling plot forward, there’s a clear answer. You guessed it: Figaro. My non-opera fanatics, this one’s for you… We’re matching Le Cengle with Figaro’s Aria, “Largo al Factotum” (Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!) Figaro’s sneaky strategies to gain top-secret information while still dazzling everyone with his undeniable charm make him the perfect match with this fire-cracker rosé.

Closing Thoughts

As this rosé & Rossini pairing endeavor comes to a close, I want us to remember how vital it is that we listen to our senses. They will tell you if something is a perfect match or if you need to look for something else. Let us know what you thought of these pairings, and don’t hesitate to Contact Us for more.