Rosé Wines

Rosé wines are usually made by crushing black grapes and leaving the juice in contact with the grape skins for a few hours. This extracts flavour, tannins and colour from the skins so winemakers can adjust the desired hue and taste of the wine by increasing or decreasing the skin contact. Another less common method is to take the first juice extracted before a red wine is made. Ros√© wines are usually bottled young or aged for a short period in neutral stainless steel tanks or barrels. Buy rosé wines and pair them with fresh seafood, grilled fish, sushi, spicy Asian curries, and chicken dishes.

Key Rosé Wine Regions

Probably the most famous rosé wine region is Provence in the south of France which produces elegant pale pink wines with plenty of freshness and aromatics. Whispering Angel is one of the most popular rosé wines coming from France. Spain is the second biggest producer of rosé, with most made in a richer oak-aged style in the regions of Rioja and Navarra. Other important regions include California which is known for its White Zinfandel, and parts of Italy, Chile, and Australia.

Rosé Wine Grape Varieties

Rosé wines are normally made by lightly pressing black grapes and extracting the first juice that runs off. Winemakers can increase the depth of colour and intensity of the wine by macerating the juice on the skins for a longer period. Some important grape varieties used to make rosé wines include Grenache, which is used for most Provence rosé wines, and Tempranillo, which is widely used for Spanish rosés. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are also commonly used to make rosé wines.