While it might always be rosé season in Miami, where I’m lucky enough to call home, it appears Memorial Day weekend is the marker for the rest of the country to dive into glasses of chilled perfectly-hued pink wine. In fact, the second Saturday of June — this year it’s June 12th — is National Rosé Day. In the spirit of the ‘rosé all day’ lifestyle, The Hampton Social restaurant is ringing in the summer with the launch of a National Rosé Hotline.

The hotline will be managed by The Hampton Social’s wine expert and beverage director, Greg Innocent, who will be waiting by his pink rotary phone ready to answer any of your burning rosé questions. Trying to learn more about rosé or figure out the perfect summer cocktail? Call (267) 927-Rosé (7673) and have them answered instantly.

Living by his motto, “every drink has a story,” Innocent is someone who passionately combines his love for people and love for beverages into a drinkable vessel. With an abundance of rosé tips and tricks for both sommeliers and amateur wine enthusiasts alike, The Hampton Social’s Rosé Hotline is only a dial away.

I got the chance to chat with Innocent to have a few of my own rosé questions answered. And here’s how it went:

What are some great appetizer pairings for rosé?

“I’m a huge fan of appetizers that have a protein and citrus element to them. Rosés have a bright crisp acidity that pairs well with seasonal favorites like tuna tartare and ceviche.” 

What's an unexpected pairing that might blow people's minds?  

“Barbecue chicken pizza… don’t knock it until you try it! I love the one from Domino’s but any delicious barbecue pizza will do. The aromatics of the rosé balances the robust smoky aroma of barbecue and the crisp acidity stands well with the blend of cheese, chicken and the sweetness of the bbq sauce.”

How would you differentiate the different types of rosés to a novice drinker? 

“When helping someone pick a rosé wine, I always like to gauge where they’re going and what they are going to do there. If they are heading somewhere to celebrate, I like to recommend sparkling. If someone is heading to a dinner party, I’d recommend a still rosé but preferably one that can be enjoyed before the meal to avoid competing with an unknown menu. There are a few things to remember about rosé wine: the color does not equate to the sweetness of the wine. The darker the hue, the more dark red fruit aromas you’re likely to pick up on the nose. The lighter the rosé, the closer you will get to bright red fruits and hints of peach.” 

What’s your dream pairing menu — let's say it's a three-course meal?

“Oh, this is fun… 

• First course - Aperol spritz top with a sparkling rosé paired with a grilled peach, arugula, and goat cheese salad. 
• Second course - Still Malbec rosé paired with grilled pork chop with a hoisin/balsamic glaze, and a side of herb roasted potatoes.
• Third course - For the dessert course, a sparkling brut rosé (bubbly and dry) paired with a creamy cheesecake top with a mixed berry compote & mint.”

What do you think is the best style of rosé for the beach?

“I would recommend a still rosé from Provence. These rosés were designed with the beach in mind and make for the best beach time drinking.” 

What summer dishes pair best with rosé?

“I love a good summer salad with rosé. Two of my favorites include a watermelon, goat cheese, and mint salad; and a Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, herbs, red onions, and feta cheese.” 

What's one rosé myth you'd like to debunk?

“There are a few myths about rosé that make my eyes roll… Rosés are not blush zinfandel.  Rosés can come in all sorts of varietals, from all red grapes or a blend of red and white grapes. We are in the golden age of rosé and there are some amazing wine makers producing some amazing juice. Another myth is that rosé is not only for the summer: Sure, enjoy it because it’s warm outside. But rosé can be just as enjoyable in cooler months when paired with lamb, pork, and seafood.”

Have questions of your own about how to rosé all day this summer? Give The Hampton Social’s Rosé Hotline a call at (267) 927-Rosé (7673) and tell Greg, Amber sent you! Cheers to a summer filled with rosé.