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February 6, 2025 26 mins

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Join me, Simon Jacob, as we uncork the rich and vibrant tale of rosé wine, from its ancient origins to its sophisticated status in Greek and Roman times, and onward to its revival as a symbol of laid-back luxury. We journey through the vineyards of Provence where monastic winemakers crafted wines close to today's rosés, and explore how regions like Israel and the United States are producing exceptional kosher rosés, showcasing the adaptability and artistry behind this beloved wine.

We'll traverse the fascinating evolution of rosé, from its golden era in 17th century France to its misunderstood phase in the 20th century, culminating in its recent renaissance spearheaded by Provençal producers. Discover the innovative winemaking techniques emerging from the Golan Heights in Israel and hear captivating stories, including the serendipitous origins of rosé and its role in the world's first rosé festival. By the end of our exploration, you'll also have a new appreciation for rosé's surprising food pairings, proving its versatility beyond the expected—think spicy dishes and even fried chicken. Whether you're a seasoned rosé aficionado or just beginning to explore its vibrant world, there's something here for you to savor and enjoy.

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Episode Transcript

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S. Simon Jacob (00:09):
Welcome to The Kosher Terroir.
I'm Simon Jacob, your host forthis episode from Jerusalem.
Before we get started, I askthat, wherever you are, please
take a moment and pray for thesafety of our soldiers and the
safe return of all of ourhostages.
If you're driving in your car,please focus on the road ahead.

(00:31):
If you're home, please select adelicious bottle of rosé.
Sit back and enjoy thisfollowing episode about the
origin of rosé.
Hello and welcome to The KosherTerroir.
I'm Simon Jacob and I'm soexcited to have you join me
today as we raise our glasses toone of the most beloved,

(00:55):
intriguing and versatile winesin the world rosé.
Whether you're a long-timelistener or this is your first
time tuning in, I promisetoday's episode will not only
deepen your appreciation forrosé, but also uncover its
fascinating secrets andremarkable history.

(01:16):
The Kosher Terroir is yourgateway to the global stories,
traditions and artistry behindkosher wines.
Traditions and artistry behindkosher wines.
Each week, we explore thepeople, places and practices
that make wine so much more thanjust a drink.
It's a connection to culture,heritage and celebration.

(01:41):
If you've ever wondered aboutthe deeper stories hidden within
your favorite bottle, you're inthe right place.
Today, we're turning ourattention to rosé, a wine that
has captured the hearts of somany.
But what is it about rosé thatmakes it so captivating?
Is it the allure of itsgorgeous pink hues that range
from pale salmon to vibrantmagenta?

(02:02):
Or is it the way it dances onthe palate, offering a balance
of freshness and complexity?
Maybe it's the versatility?
Rosé pairs beautifully witheverything from light summer
fare to bold, flavorful dishes.
Whatever the reason, rosé has acharm that's hard to resist.

(02:24):
In this episode, we're going ona journey through time and
tradition.
We'll uncover the origins ofrosé, tracing its roots back to
some of the earliest winemakingpractices in human history.
You'll learn about the multipleways rosé is crafted, from the
ancient techniques that stillinfluence modern winemaking to

(02:47):
the cutting-edge innovationsredefining how it's made today.
We'll also dive into thecultural and historical
milestones that shaped rosé'sidentity, including the periods
when it was revered, overlookedand ultimately rediscovered as a
global phenomenon.
And, of course, no discussionof rosé would be complete

(03:10):
without a few compelling stories.
Did you know that ancientwinemakers inadvertently made
rosé because they lacked thetools to create dark, robust
reds?
Or that rosé was onceconsidered the drink of kings
and aristocrats, before fallingout of favor, only to rise again
in recent decades, as a symbolof laid-back luxury.

(03:33):
We'll talk about these momentsand more, weaving together
history, art and a touch ofmystery.
But wait, there's more.
And a touch of mystery, butwait, there's more.
We'll also explore some of thelesser-known aspects of rosé.
For instance, did you know thatProvence, france, is often
credited with perfecting modernrosé, but it's far from the only

(03:58):
region making exceptionalversions of this wine?
Countries like Israel, spainand the United States have been
producing stunning rosés thatdeserve your attention.
And, yes, we'll shine aspotlight on kosher rosés, which
are increasingly gainingrecognition for their quality

(04:20):
and elegance and elegance.
So, whether you're someone whocan't get enough rosé or you're
just beginning to explore itsvibrant world, this episode is
for you.
Grab your favorite bottle ofpink wine or any wine really and
join me for a journey that's ascolorful and lively as the
glass in your hand.

(04:41):
Let's get started, shall we?
Let's begin our journey withthe history of rosé.
To truly understand its story,we have to go back thousands of
years, to the very beginnings ofwinemaking itself.
In ancient times, most wineswere much lighter in color than
the red wines we know today.

(05:02):
Why?
Because winemaking techniqueswere far less advanced and the
process of fermenting grapejuice with extended skin contact
, which gives red wine its deepcolor, wasn't fully developed
yet the result Wines that werecloser to what we would now

(05:22):
recognize as rosé.
The first evidence of wineproduction dates back to around
6000 BCE in what is nowmodern-day Georgia.
Early winemakers crushed grapesand allowed the juice to
ferment naturally.
Because the skins were oftenremoved relatively quickly, the

(05:42):
resulting wines had a pale pinkhue.
These ancient rosés weren'tintentionally crafted as such.
They were simply the product ofthe winemaking methods
available at the time.
Fast forward to ancient Greeceand Rome, where rosé continued
to hold a special place.
Where rosé continued to hold aspecial place, the Greeks called

(06:05):
it phoenikos and considered ita symbol of sophistication and
balance.
They even diluted their winewith water, as they believed
drinking undiluted wine wasbarbaric.
Rosé's lighter color and flavorprofile made it a popular

(06:26):
choice for these dilutedbeverages.
During the Roman Empire,winemaking techniques advanced
and rosé became associated withluxury and prestige.
Roman winemakers prized winesthat were pale and light, often
blending red and white grapes toachieve the desired effect.
These early iterations of roséwere enjoyed by emperors,

(06:48):
aristocrats and wealthy citizens, further cementing its
reputation as a drink of theelite.
As time went on, rosé spreadthroughout Europe.
In the Middle Ages, monksplayed a key role in cultivating
vineyards and producing wine.
In regions like Provence, whichwould later become synonymous

(07:10):
with Rosé, winemaking thrivedunder monastic care.
By the 14th century, provencewas already producing wines that
closely resembled the modernRosés we know today.
But Rosé's popularity wasn'tlimited to Europe.
By the 18th century it had madeits way to England, where it

(07:31):
became known as Clarenne.
These wines were imported fromBordeaux and often had a light
pinkish hue.
English nobility embraced roséfor its elegance and refinement,
and it became a staple atlavish gatherings.
However, rosé's fortunes beganto wane in the 19th and early

(07:51):
20th centuries as winemakingtechnology advanced.
Darker, more robust red winesbecame the standard, and rosé
was often dismissed as inferior.
For much of the 20th century itwas overshadowed by other wine
styles and was sometimesassociated with cheap,

(08:12):
low-quality production.
Then came the rosé renaissance.
In the late 20th century,winemakers in Provence began to
reclaim rosé's reputation,focusing on quality and
craftsmanship, they perfectedtechniques to create wines that
were dry, crisp and aromatic, afar cry from the overly sweet

(08:35):
versions that had tarnished itsimage.
Provence rosé gainedinternational acclaim, and soon
other wine regions followed suit.
Today, rosé is celebrated aroundthe world.
It's no longer just a summerwine.
It's a year-round favorite thatpairs beautifully with a wide

(08:55):
range of cuisines, from theiconic pink wines of Provence to
the bold and vibrant Rosés ofSpain, israel and California.
This wine has truly come fullcircle, reclaiming its place as
one of the most versatile andbeloved styles on the planet.
So that, now that we'veexplored Rosé's rich history,

(09:17):
let's delve into the methodsused to craft this delightful
wine.
While rosé might look simple inthe glass, its creation is
anything but there are multipletechniques winemakers use to
achieve that perfect balance ofcolor, flavor and texture.
Let's break it down.
The maceration method is one ofthe most common ways to make

(09:40):
rosé, and it's particularlypopular in regions like Provence
, where rosé reigns supreme.
Here's how it works Grapes areharvested and lightly crushed,
allowing the juice to come intocontact with the grape skins.
The skins impart color, flavorand tannins to the juice.

(10:00):
For rosé, this contact time isvery short, usually just a few
hours.
Once the desired color isachieved, the skins are removed
and the juice is fermented intowine.
This method produces wines withdelicate hues and refined
flavors.
Provence's rosé is a perfectexample, often featuring notes

(10:24):
of strawberry, melon and citrus,with a crisp, dry finish.
The Seigneur method Seigneur,which means to bleed in French
is a method where Rosé is aby-product of red wine
production.
During the early stages of redwine fermentation, some of the
juice is bled off from the tank.
This juice, which has hadminimal skin contact, is then

(10:49):
fermented separately into rosé.
The Seigne method typicallyresults in rosé that are darker
in color and more robust inflavor, as they often come from
grapes intended for full-bodiedred wines.
This technique is popular inregions like Bordeaux and Napa
Valley, where winemakers craftrosés with a richer, more

(11:14):
complex profile.
The blending method is exactlywhat it sounds like Red wine is
blended with white wine tocreate rosé.
This technique is rarely usedfor still rosés, but is more
common in the production ofsparkling rosé, including some
champagnes.
In champagne, small amounts ofPinot Noir or Pinot Meunier are

(11:39):
added to Chardonnay-based winesto create the signature pink
sparkle.
This method allows for precisecontrol over the final color and
flavor, resulting in elegant,effervescent rosés.
The direct press method issimilar to maceration, which
involves pressing red grapes toextract juice with minimal skin

(12:02):
contact.
The difference here is that thegrapes are pressed immediately,
resulting in even paler wines.
This method is often used inProvence and produces some of
the lightest, most delicaterosés available.
Each method brings somethingunique to the table, proving
that there's no one way to makea great rosé.

(12:25):
Here are some fascinatingstories and milestones.
Rosé's history is more thanjust a timeline of winemaking.
It's a vibrant tapestry ofcultural significance,
innovation and moments that haveshaped how we see this
pink-hued wonder today.
Let's explore some of the mostfascinating stories that bring

(12:49):
Rosé to life.
In 17th century France, roséenjoyed a golden age at the
court of Louis XIV, the Sun King.
The pale, delicate wines ofProvence were considered the
height of sophistication.
Louis XIV himself was known tofavor rosé for its elegance and

(13:10):
lighter profile, which alignedwith the refined tastes of his
court at Versailles.
Back then, lighter-coloredwines were seen as superior
because they symbolized purityand refinement.
Wines were seen as superiorbecause they symbolized purity
and refinement.
The court of the Sun Kinghosted lavish banquets where
rosé flowed freely, cementingits status as a luxury item.

(13:33):
This royal seal of approvalcontributed to rosé's early
reputation as a wine for theelite.
Fast forward to the 20th centuryand Rosé's reputation had
shifted dramatically.
For much of the early 1900s itwas considered a lesser wine,

(13:53):
overshadowed by bold reds andwhites, but Provence was quietly
working to change thatnarrative.
Working to change thatnarrative.
In the 1980s, producers inProvence began focusing on
quality over quantity,experimenting with shorter
maceration times and moderntechniques to craft dry,

(14:14):
aromatic rosés.
One standout figure was SachaLichon, the creator of
Whispering Angel, which debutedin 2006.
This rosé not only became aglobal phenomenon, but also
redefined rosé as a wine thatcould be both sophisticated and
approachable.
Provence's success inspiredother regions around the world

(14:38):
to rethink their approach torosé old, to rethink their
approach to rosé, leading to theglobal rosé boom we see today.
Kosher rosé has played asignificant role in expanding
the accessibility and diversityof this wine style.
For years, kosher wine wasoften associated with sweet,
sacramental varieties, butproducers in regions like Israel

(15:01):
began challenging thisperception.
The story of rosé production inthe Golan Heights is a
fascinating example of howwinemakers in Israel are
blending ancient traditions withmodern techniques to create
world-class wines.
Let me elaborate on this.
The Golan Heights, located innorthern Israel, is one of the

(15:25):
country's most prominentwine-growing regions.
Its unique terroir,characterized by volcanic,
basalt soil, high altitudes anda Mediterranean climate,
provides ideal conditions forcultivating a wide range of
grape varieties.
The combination of cool nightsand warm days allows grapes to

(15:48):
ripen slowly, preserving theirnatural acidity and enhancing
their flavor profiles.
Winemakers in this region haveembraced the challenge of
creating high quality rosés thatreflect the distinct
characteristics of the GolanHeights, while honoring the deep
historical roots of winemakingin the region.

(16:10):
After all, israel is one of theoldest winemaking regions in
the world, with evidence ofviticulture dating back
thousands of years.
One standout winery in theGolan Heights is the Golan
Heights Winery, which has becomea pioneer in Israeli winemaking
.
They produce a highly regardedrosé crafted using modern

(16:33):
production techniques likecontrolled fermentation and
gentle pressing.
The result is a wine that'scrisp, vibrant and balanced,
perfectly suited to contemporarypalates.
At the same time, the winerydraws inspiration from ancient
traditions.
The Golan Heights was part ofthe biblical land of wine, and

(16:57):
winemakers here often reflect onthe legacy of wine production
in the region.
While modern tools liketemperature-controlled
fermentation tanks help achieveprecision, the soul of the wine
is rooted in the land's richhistory.
Rosés from the Golan Heightsoften feature a blend of local

(17:18):
and international grapevarieties, such as Syrah,
grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.
These wines are typically madeusing the direct press method or
limited maceration, ensuringthey retain their light,
delicate color, while offeringvibrant flavors of red berries,

(17:39):
citrus and sometimes even floralor herbal notes.
The volcanic soil imparts adistinct minerality, giving
these rosés a crispness andcomplexity that stand out in the
global market.
The wines are designed to beversatile, pairing well with a
range of dishes from MiddleEastern mezza to grilled fish

(18:02):
and fresh salads.
Israeli winemakers havesucceeded in making their mark
on the international stage, andtheir rosés are a shining
example of this achievement.
They celebrate the land'sancient heritage while pushing
the boundaries of modernwinemaking, creating wines that

(18:23):
are as innovative as they arerooted in tradition.
This blend of ancient andmodern, local and global, making
Rosé from the Golan Heights notjust a wine, but a testament to
the region's enduring spiritand passion for excellence.
Here are some moreoff-the-beaten-path reflections

(18:44):
on Rosé.
An unexpected rosé origin storydiscusses some historians'
belief that early winemakers mayhave accidentally created rosé
when sunburned grapes producedlighter-colored juice.
This mistake likely occurred inregions where grape skins were

(19:05):
thinner or where grapes wereexposed to intense sunlight,
such as ancient Greece orsouthern Italy.
What started as an accidentbecame a tradition, with
winemakers refining the processover centuries.
In 2019, the world's firstfestival dedicated entirely to

(19:26):
rosé wines was held in LosAngeles.
Aptly named the Rosé Festival,this event celebrated all things
pink, from still wines tosparkling varieties.
What made the festival uniquewas its emphasis on rosé's
versatility Guests wereencouraged to pair it with

(19:46):
everything from tacos to icecream, highlighting how rosé
transcends traditional winepairings.
Finally, let's end with a trulyoffbeat story Rosé in Space.
In 2021, a French stardom senta case of Bordeaux wine and 320

(20:06):
vine canes into orbit to studyhow microgravity affects aging
and viticulture, while notexclusively rosé.
The experiment highlighted theglobal fascination with wine,
and the lengths will go tounderstand and improve it, even
in space.
Let's talk pairings.
Sure, we all know rosé goesbeautifully with charcuterie,

(20:30):
salads and fish.
But how about something moreunexpected?
Rosé can actually pairwonderfully with spicy dishes
like Thai curry or tacos.
With a bit of heat, the acidityin rosé cuts through the spice,
balancing the flavors perfectly.
And here's a fun one Try roséwith fried chicken.

(20:52):
The crisp, juicy bite of thechicken meets the bright,
refreshing notes of the rosé foran absolutely mouth-watering
combination.
Here's something modern winelovers will appreciate.
Rosé is often more sustainableto produce than other types of
wine, since rosé wines aretypically made with less time in

(21:16):
the winemaking process.
They don't spend months agingin barrels, for example.
They can be a more eco-friendlyoption.
Additionally, many roséproducers, particularly smaller
boutique wineries, are leaninginto organic and biodynamic
practices.
So when you sip on rosé, youmight just be doing a little

(21:41):
good for the planet too.
Finally, let's talk about whyrosé is Everywhere these Days.
Its modern popularity can belargely credited to millennials.
This generation embraced roséfor its versatility, aesthetic
appeal hello, instagram-worthybottles and accessibility.

(22:02):
The phrase rosé all day becamea rallying cry for summer fun,
and wineries caught oninnovating with kosher canned
rosés, frozen rosé slushies,rosé anyone, and even
rosé-inspired merch.
This cultural wave has turnedrosé into a symbol of modern

(22:23):
wine culture.
So, as you can see, rosé is somuch more than a pretty pink
drink.
It's steeped in history, richin versatility and full of
surprises.
Next time you pour yourself aglass, you can appreciate not
just its flavor but itsfascinating story and unique

(22:44):
place in the world of wine.
And with that we've exploredthe world of rosé its history,
its craftsmanship, itsfascinating stories and even
some surprising facts that mightjust change the way you look at
that perfect pink pour.
But before we wrap things up,let's take a moment to reflect

(23:07):
on everything we've uncoveredtoday.
Rosé isn't just a drink.
It's a story, one that spansthousands of years, traverses
continents and has touchedcountless lives along the way.
From its humble beginnings asone of the earliest wines in
history to its modern-dayrenaissance, rosé has proven

(23:30):
itself to be as timeless as itis versatile.
Whether you're savoring a crisp, pale rosé from Provence, a
bold, fruit-forward bottle fromCalifornia, or a sparkling rosé
that lights up your celebrationsfrom Israel, you're
participating in a traditionthat connects us all to the art

(23:52):
of winemaking.
But here's where it getsexciting.
There's so much more to uncover.
Wine, after all, is anever-ending journey, one that
invites curiosity, conversationand, of course, a little
indulgence.
So I encourage you to take whatyou've learned today and share
it.
Whether it's introducing afriend to their first rosé,

(24:16):
pairing it with a dish they'dnever expect, or simply enjoying
it with a new perspective,you're keeping the spirit of
wine alive and well.
Now, if you love learning aboutrosé, you're going to love
what's coming up next.
On the next episodes of theKosher Terroir, we'll be diving

(24:38):
into the world of wine varietals, the history of specific
winemaking regions and excitingwine interviews.
Trust me, you won't want tomiss even one.
So make sure to subscribe toour podcast, leave a review and
share it with anyone who loveswine or just loves a great story

(25:00):
.
And don't forget to follow uson social media at the Kosher
Terroir, for even more winewisdom and updates.
Wine has this magical ability tobring people together, to start
conversations and to creatememories.
Rosé, with its beautifulversatility, is a perfect

(25:21):
example of that magic.
So as you pour your next glass,take a moment to savor not just
the taste, but the story, thehistory and the connections it
represents.
Thank you for joining me onthis journey through the world
of Rosé.
I'm Simon Jacob, and this isThe Kosher Terroir.

(25:42):
Until next time, l'chaim.
This is Simon Jacob, again yourhost of today's episode of The
Kosher Terroir.
I have a personal request nomatter where you are or where

(26:02):
you live, please take a momentto pray for our soldiers' safety
and the safe and rapid returnof our hostages.
Please subscribe via yourpodcast provider to be informed
of our new episodes as they arereleased.
If you are new to The KosherTerroir, please check out our
many past episodes.

(26:24):
Bye.
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