A poll of 2,000 adults found that many people have common misconceptions about wine – including how to serve and store it
The colour and flavour of most rose, typically made from red grapes, is due to the early harvesting of the grapes and the brief period the crushed fruit’s skins remain in the juice. This type of wine can also be a byproduct of red winemaking – a process known as ‘saignee’.
While some winemakers in Australia and occasionally New Zealand produce rose from a blend of red and white wines, this practice is prohibited in the EU except for rose champagne.
A common misconception about wine was revealed in a poll of 2,000 adults by M&S. The survey found that 49% of rose drinkers usually consume this variety of wine at the wrong temperature. Experts suggest that rose should be served between 7–13°C and is best removed from the fridge 15 minutes beforehand.
Other common misconceptions highlighted in the first M&S #WineWorries ‘Mythbusting’ Report include the belief that red wine should never be refrigerated and that ice cubes should never be added to a glass.
Belinda Kleinig, a winemaker for the retailer, said: “It’s a common misconception that rose needs to be served ice cold. In fact, serving wine too cold can mute its fruity flavours and hide some of the aromas.”
“The optimum temperature for enjoying rose is between 7–13°C, meaning it’s best to take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes to half an hour before drinking so it isn’t overchilled.”
“That said, if it’s a particularly warm day there is absolutely nothing wrong with adding a few ice cubes to your glass of rose even wine experts do this themselves.”
The survey also discovered that pale rose is twice as popular among respondents, with 30% favouring it over dark rose, which only garnered 14% preference. A notable 10% mistakenly think that paler rose equates to better quality, despite expert claims to the contrary.
Surprisingly, only 15% of those surveyed are aware that rosé can be used in wine cocktails. Additionally, a mere 18% acknowledge that it’s perfectly fine to pop ice cubes into a glass of rose on a warm day.
Further findings highlighted that just 17% of red wine drinkers would consider storing their vino in the fridge, though certain reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache are recommended to be served lightly chilled.
When it comes to the longevity of an opened wine bottle, 25% of participants are clueless about its shelf life. Only 34% correctly believe that wine in a can or box can match the quality of bottled options. Wine from a pouch has been tried by merely 28%, even though it often lasts longer than its bottled counterparts post-opening.
Conducted via OnePoll, the study also revealed that while 29% are conversant with orange wine, 8% inaccurately assume it contains an orange liqueur boost. Only 11% of people are familiar with Pet Nat – a sparkling wine bottled before the initial fermentation process is complete.
Joseph Arthur, M&S senior wine buyer, clarified: “Despite what the name might suggest, orange wine has nothing to do with oranges. It’s a type of wine that’s made from white grapes that are fermented with their skins still on, just like when making red wine.”
“This gives it a beautiful amber colour and a unique flavour that’s a bit richer and more complex than regular white wine. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to try something different and exciting.”
