With rosé season officially here, we caught up with fashion designer Nicole Miller, who recently launched her own rosé, Nicole Miller Rosé.
After years of being in fashion, what attracted you to the rosé industry?
NM: I love to entertain and I love to cook. Wine is the perfect compliment to every meal and I love to serve rosé in the summer. Having had a French mother food, and wine were always an important part of my life. Now that I’ve expanded into many lifestyle categories the rosé was a perfect fit.
Has rosé always been your wine of choice?
NM: I think I drink seasonally. Certainly rosé all summer but I like red in the winter and chardonnay at other times.
Damien Landouar vinified the wine. Why was he the right fit for your rosé?
NM: Damien Landouar is the wine maker and manager of four estates in the Bordeaux region including Château Gaby and Château Auguste. He is a well respected vintner and his wines have had great success.
Most rosés are made in Provence, but yours is made in Bordeaux at Chateau Auguste. Tell us a little bit about why you selected that locale?
NM: I had been to Bordeaux in the past and always loved the region. I liked the idea of having something unique and different. After I tried Château Auguste’s own rosé I was sold on it. Mine is made from a blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc grapes.
What are some of your favorite rosé pairings?
NM: My favorite thing to have with rosé is seafood. Ideally I would love to have quenelles or langoustines but there is wonderful seafood here on the East End and lots of options. I love making a mixed seafood salad and crab and shrimp cakes.
How will you celebrate National Rosé Day?
NM: By making many toasts to my favorite day!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
NM: It’s been very exciting to me for the rosé to finally arrive. I am happy that it has been well received and people seem to like it a lot.
Nicole Miller Rosé retails for $19.99. Locally, it will be available at Dopo La Spiaggia and Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor and sold at Cavaniola’s Gourmet.