W3 Wine School

Rosé Wines

Rosé wines get their pink color from a very short contact with the skins (a few hours).

Most rosé wines are made from black grape varieties.

When discussing Rosé wines, we must focus on the styles and the regions that have become globally recognized.

Each style reflects the unique terroir, grape variety, and winemaking tradition of its region, making rosé a versatile and beloved wine category worldwide.

Below are some of the most popular rosé wine types.

Provence Rosé

Provence Rosé (France)

Provence Rosé is the benchmark for rosé wines globally. It represents the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle.

Pale pink, crisp, dry, light-bodied, with notes of citrus, red berries, and a hint of minerality.

The grapes used are Grenache (minimum 60%), Cinsault. Syrah. Mourvèdre.

Strawberry, Orange, and Watermelon are typical Provence Rosé flavors.

Strawberry Lemon Orange Watermellon

White Zinfandel

White Zinfandel (USA)

White Zinfandel is an approachable and affordable entry into rosé wines, especially in the U.S.

The grape used is Zinfandel

It is sweet, light-bodied, with flavors of Strawberries and Watermelon. A great summer wine!

Lemon Strawberry Raspberry Watermelon

Tavel Rosé (France)

  • Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Syrah.
  • Key Features: Deeper color, full-bodied, with flavors of red fruits and spice.
  • Why Popular: A unique, food-friendly rosé from the Rhône Valley.

Rosado (Spain)

  • Grapes: Garnacha (Grenache), Tempranillo.
  • Key Features: Vibrant pink color, fruit-forward, with flavors of strawberries and cherries.
  • Why Popular: A bold and fruity style that pairs well with tapas.

Rosato (Italy)

  • Grapes: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano.
  • Key Features: Can range from dry to slightly off-dry, with flavors of red fruits and herbs.
  • Why Popular: Reflects Italy’s diverse wine regions and styles.

Champagne Rosé (France)

  • Key Features: Sparkling, elegant, with flavors of red fruits and brioche.
  • Method: Made by blending white and red wines or using skin contact.
  • Why Popular: Adds luxury and celebration to the rosé category.

Pinot Noir Rosé (Worldwide)

  • Grapes: Pinot Noir.
  • Key Features: Light-bodied, with delicate notes of strawberries and raspberries.
  • Why Popular: Loved for its elegance and versatility.

Syrah-Based Rosé

  • Grapes: Syrah.
  • Key Features: Darker pink color, with flavors of blackberries, plums, and pepper.
  • Why Popular: A more intense rosé option for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Saignée Rosé

  • Key Features: Rich and intense, often with a fuller body and pronounced flavors.
  • Method: Made by "bleeding off" juice during red wine production.
  • Why Popular: Offers a robust rosé experience for red wine lovers.
  • Other Popular Rosé Wines:
  • Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (Italy)
  • Nebbiolo Rosato (Italy)
  • Navarra Rosado (Spain)
  • Rioja Rosado (Spain)

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