Not long ago, rosé wines were often dismissed as a fleeting trend, not worthy of being considered serious wine. Thankfully, those days are behind us, and rosé has firmly established its place in the wine market. As summer is the season when we naturally gravitate towards rosé, leading to a spike in its consumption, let’s delve deeper into the variety of styles and production methods behind this beloved wine.
How Is Rosé Wine Made?
To understand rosé, it’s essential to explore how it gets its distinctive color. The most common method used worldwide is maceration, where the grape skins are left in contact with the juice, imparting a pink hue. Most red wine grapes, such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, have white flesh, with the pigments residing in the skin. I often simplify this concept during educational sessions by comparing it to brewing a cup of mixed berry tea—the longer you steep the tea, the more color is released, allowing you to control the intensity. Similarly, winemakers decide the desired color by adjusting the maceration time.
Many people still believe that rosé is made by blending red and white wines. While this is generally not the case, there is an exception—Champagne. In the famous French region, red wine from Pinot Noir grapes can be added to white wine to achieve the desired shade of pink. This practice is unique to Champagne and is not commonly used in still or sparkling wines outside this region.
Why Does Rosé Taste Best in Summer?
Rosé is often seen as the quintessential summer drink, and there’s a good reason for that. In my opinion, our enjoyment of rosé in the warmer months is influenced by our natural biorhythms. There’s a scientific theory suggesting that we should eat fruits native to our region and in season. Many rosé wines offer flavors reminiscent of summer fruits—strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and currants—which are at their peak during summer. Combine these flavors with a chilled glass of rosé, and you have the perfect summer refreshment.
Rosé: A Global Phenomenon
Rosé wines are enjoying a moment of global acclaim, with producers from around the world embracing this versatile style. The popularity of rosé is no longer confined to specific regions; it’s now a global trend. Wineries across the United States, France, Italy, and beyond are crafting rosés that cater to a wide range of palates, from light and crisp to bold and fruity.
Provence, France, remains the benchmark for rosé, known for its pale pink wines with delicate flavors. However, regions in the U.S., like California and Oregon, are gaining recognition for their high-quality rosé production. These American rosés often highlight vibrant fruit notes and balanced acidity, making them perfect for summer sipping.
Innovative Rosé Winemaking Techniques
Rosé winemaking has seen its share of innovations. Winemakers are experimenting with new techniques to add depth to their wines. One such method involves fermenting the juice on lees, which preserves the light color while enhancing the wine’s texture and flavor. Some winemakers also use oak barrels for aging, adding subtle hints of oak to the final blend. Interestingly, a few have even ventured into making rosés from teinturier grapes, resulting in wines with a deep pink to crimson hue. With careful filtration, these wines can still be considered rosé and are categorized as rare finds.
Sparkling Rosé: Beyond Champagne
While rosé Champagne is iconic, it’s not the only sparkling rosé worth noting. French crémants from various regions and Spanish cava rosado, often boasting a richer color than Champagne, offer excellent alternatives. Additionally, southern England is emerging as a formidable competitor in the sparkling wine arena, poised to challenge Champagne. The New World is also making strides, with Chile producing intriguing rosé sparklers from the País grape, known for its floral and red berry notes. And let’s not forget the relatively new Prosecco rosé, officially recognized since the 2020 vintage, which achieves its pink hue by blending 10-15% Pinot Noir.
Rosé: A Staple in Wine Portfolios
Today, rosé wines are a staple in the portfolios of producers, distributors, and wine lovers alike. They pair beautifully with seafood, fish, salads, or simply as an aperitif. As summer begins, it’s the perfect time to explore the wide range of rosé wines available in the market. Cheers!
