Few wine pairings scream summer more than the cool, crisp flavors of watermelon and rosé. This combo is refreshing, easy to pull together, guilt-free, and actually somewhat nutritious! You can also make this pairing vegan by selecting a vegan rosé (more about that later).
The Pairing
The fruit aromatics in rosé present themselves in a manner that is more delicate than those in red or white wines. Watermelon is a fruit that is similarly more subtle in flavor, making it a perfect match for rosé. Rosé aromatics mainly fall in the red fruit range, with strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry, along with melon. Some rosés can also have floral and citrus notes.
The tannin level and body of a rosé will vary based on its varietals and region. Fortunately, most rosés are light enough to meld seamlessly with fresh watermelon. A dry, Grenache-based Provence rosé is extremely refreshing with watermelon, while a more fruit-forward Pinot Noir-based California rosé accentuates the watermelon’s sweetness.
Watermelon actually contains one of the same aromatic compounds found in cucumbers. While this might seem odd, it actually makes sense when you think about the fresh, mild taste of a watermelon rind. Cucumbers, gourds, and melons are all members of the same plant family. So, we’ve included cucumber in this salad as it harmonizes nicely with the watermelon and ultimately the rosé.
The Wine
To keep the pairing vegan, you’ll need to find a vegan rosé as well. It isn’t always easy to find vegan wines, let alone vegan rosés. We highly recommend checking out the selection on NakedWines.com. All of their wines are made by small producers, and are expressive of their unique terroir. These span an impressive breadth including Chile, Argentina, California, and New Zealand. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better selection of well-priced vegan wines elsewhere — most white wines are under $20, and most red wines are $20-$30.
Easy Vegan Watermelon Salad
- 1 watermelon
- 1 cucumber
- Optional: Mint leaves
- Optional: Additional fruit such as blueberries or strawberries
Instructions
- Slice watermelon and cucumber (as well as berries if desired). We recommend cubing the watermelon for ease of consumption.
- Place in a bowl and mix gently.
- Garnish with mint leaves.
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