Wine experts finally settle the controversial debate
- 62 percent of rosé drinkers wouldn’t think to add a few cubes to cool down their blush
- 28 percent say adding ice to wine is unsophisticated and 13 percent judge those who do so
- 23 percent feel uncomfortable asking for ice for their wine when in a bar or restaurant
- Majestic explores the debate and reveals top rosés that benefit from a cube or two
With this summer’s heat wave gathering pace, the obvious choice of wine is widely thought to be a nice chilled glass of rosé. But even as temperatures soar, a staggering 62 percent of rosé loving Brits wouldn’t think to add a few cubes to cool down their blush. It’s a debate that divides many, so Majestic has weighed in and once and for all officially revealed that SOME varieties of rosé would benefit from ice.
Polling 2,000 UK adults to better understand attitudes on ice in wine debate, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer found that 28 percent say the practice is unsophisticated and 13 percent actually judge those who like to pop in a few cubs. There does however seem to be a gender split in this view; 34 percent of men felt it was unsophisticated leading to 19 percent to judging others for adding ice, whereas only 22 percent of women are actively anti-ice and 8 percent raise an eyebrow when they see others doing it.
Majestic’s research also shows that even those who are fans of ice in wine are still hesitant about embracing the practice in public; just 5 percent would consider adding cubes to their wine while drinking out and 23 percent actually feel uncomfortable asking for ice for their wine when in a bar or restaurant.
Ice was also revealed to be a favourite for younger drinkers to dilute wine, with 43 percent of those ages 18-34 years old agreeing that it’s a good remedy for cheaper-tasting wine.
Although seen as controversial by wine critics and lovers alike, certain varieties of dry rosé wine should be kept to the optimum 8C to retain their flavour, and so Majestic’s experts say a few cubes of ice are preferential to a warmer glass. The best way to keep the flavour of a blush is to refrigerate to precisely 8C, or place in an ice bucket if drinking outdoors, however adding ice in a pinch shouldn’t be frowned upon if a dry rosé is the wine of choice.
Majestic’s rosé expert, Joe Aylmer, says: “With summer in full swing, you’re not alone if you’re tempted to add an ice cube or two to your glass of wine. In fact, in the French Riviera, it’s not uncommon to find piscine on the menu – that is, a large glass of Provencal Rosé with a handful of ice.”
“I recommend opting for a dry and crisp variety – such as M de Minuty – if adding ice. We know that chilled Rosé can be warm in minutes on hotter days, and an ice cube can ensure your Rosé is as enjoyable and cool as possible – to reach that optimum 8C. But be careful: as the ice melts it can dilute your glass, affecting the complex notes of some fuller Rosé varieties.” Aylmer added.
Masters of Wine, Peter Richards and Susie Barrie, say: “Wine should be refreshing, fun and enjoyable. If plopping a couple of ice cubes in your rosé makes you happy on a warm day, then go for it! After all, we’re Masters of Wine and (whisper it) we do it…because nothing’s worse than warm, soupy wine on a hot day. The secret is serving smaller pours in your glass, so you don’t give the ice time to melt and dilute your wine too much. Another top tip is to pop a bunch of grapes in your freezer and use those instead of ice cubes – they look fun and won’t make your wine watery! .”