By Michael Bray
At this point in the summer, most wine-lovers will have enjoyed their fair share of rosé. If you’re looking to explore a new twist on a classic wine, I encourage you to try the season’s latest, highly unconventional trend: Jalapeño Rosé.
Yes, you read that correctly, and yes, it’s exactly what you think – rosé wine with added jalapeño slices. This unlikely partnership was popularized by South Jersey local and TikTok phenom Allyssa Marshall (@allyssainthekitchen on TikTok and Instagram), whose April video showcasing her enjoying a jalapeño-infused glass of rosé went viral.
While I love innovation when it comes to wine and spirits, I was skeptical of this unusual combination. And the thought of adding something as bold as jalapeño to a refreshing and delightful rosé… let’s just say I had my doubts. But with hundreds of positive comments on Allyssa’s video (“This is my new favorite drink!”, “It’s AMAZING!”, “This is life changing!”, and more), I had to give it a go.
And guess what? I enjoyed it. While I wouldn’t recommend this beverage for the spice-averse or for the rosé purists out there, Jalapeño Rosé offers a wholly unique flavor experience that you won’t find elsewhere in the world of wine. While the aroma and taste will differ based on your choice of rosé, you will likely find that the spiciness of the pepper adds an interesting earthy component to the fruitiness of the wine. You’ll definitely feel some heat, and the longer the jalapeño sits in the wine, the hotter it will become.
Try It for Yourself
In her original video, Allyssa uses The Beach by Whispering Angel, a light rosé from Provence, France with bright fruit impressions and refreshing acidity. This is a great choice, and I think any light, dry French rosé will do the trick. I tried La Petite Bete Rosé by Domaine Clo (Loire Valley, France; $13.99 on sale), and its vibrant notes of exotic fruit and citrus were an excellent match for the pepper’s spice and vegetal tones.
Once you’ve selected your rosé, pour yourself a glass, and add some sliced jalapeño. I recommend adding one or two slices to start to ease yourself into the tasting experience (if you enjoy the spice, you can always add more!). Add a little ice to your glass for an additional cooling effect.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this non-traditional pairing. New favorite summer beverage? Not for you? Or have you experimented with adding other vegetables, fruits, or herbs to your wine? Email me to let me know: michael@passionvines.com
Drink passionately, and have fun,
Michael
Michael Bray is the founder of and director of operations at Passion Vines Wine & Spirit Company in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township. He serves on numerous local boards.
