Hampton Water Rose Wine: For Gifting & Year-Round Drinking
|
With its fresh, lively flavor and light-to-medium body, rosé has historically been a warm-weather wine. But many Americans have taken to drinking it year-round, and Hampton Water, marketed by Jesse Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi’s son, and partner Ali Thomas, has become a popular brand. But given an American name and cachet, sales have been great! The story is that Jon Bon Jovi was in the Hamptons with his son and Mr. Thomas one evening, and offered them some rosé. “You’re drinking ‘Hampton Water,’” Mr. Bongiovi told his father, referencing an ongoing joke that rosé is the water of the Hamptons. Bon Jovi latched on to the name “Hampton Water,” and…fast forward… Bongiovi and Thomas found a vintner and importer, designed the label, and put together the brand. And why not? The volume of still rosé wines in the U.S. has increased by 118% from 2015 to 2020, while wine volume overall has grown only 1.5% during the same time period. It’s a great time to make rosé! In the south of France, dry rosé wine is the all-occasion wine—no surprise, since Provence, Languedoc’s neighbor, is the world base of dry rosé production. There, vin rosé is paired with all the foods, all year round. In fact, dry French rosé outsells white wine in France! Hampton Water is from a classic French blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Syrah grapes. We found the style to be medium-bodied, with aromas of cherry and strawberry and touches of citrus and minerality. Consider it as a gift for a rosé lover, a Hamptons lover, and of course, a Jon Bon Jovi lover. We’re certain that more than a few people hit the trifecta here. Plan a celebration: National Rosé Day is the second Saturday in June. > ROSÉ FOOD PAIRINGS *In the second phase of voting, the 50 most voted wines in each category are judged in person by professionals. |
|
|
