We don't know about you, but for us, the arrival of the sun makes us want rosé wine! And you've probably already noticed that the color palette of rosé wines is very wide: from apricot to cherry, there is something for everyone! And we tell you everything!
Rosé wine is produced from black grapes with white pulp and red or even purple skin. Its color therefore comes from the pigments in the grape skin. The first difference between the nuances of rosé is found in the vinification method.
Bloodletting rosé?
Saignée (or maceration) rosé is obtained when the juice macerates with the skins of the grapes for approximately twenty-four hours. After this time, the juice contained in the vat is released to be vinified elsewhere, known as “bleeding”: we say that we bleed the vat. It's the same method as for red wine, except that the maceration time is two weeks for these. The rosé produced by this method is rather dark, in shades of redcurrant or tangerine , and has some aging potential.
Rosé from pressing?
This second method consists of pressing the whole bunches directly, only recovering the juice which is then fermented for a maximum of fifteen days before bottling the rosé wine thus created. Rosé wine produced by this method is lighter, in shades of peach or melon , and will not have great aging potential.
Winemaking method, yes, but not only that…
It's not just the vinification method that plays a role in the color of a rosé wine, the grape varieties and the degree of maturity of the grapes of course also have their share of responsibility! Rosé wines are therefore different from one region to another.
Rosés from Provence will tend to be lighter with more floral aromas. Taste the Rosé Fleuri from Château Barbebelle : its salmon color and its light and fruity aromas will accompany you throughout the summer (and the year!)
The Languedoc rosés will be more generous. Taste the Château La Grave Expression : its raspberry color and its ample and generous mouthfeel will accompany you from aperitif to dessert without any problem.
Don't hesitate to take a look at our selection of rosé wines , there are few, it's true, but they are all chosen with love !
A third method…
Although it is more controversial, there is indeed a third method for producing rosé wine: mixing red wine and white wine. This may seem surprising, but can be quite common in certain countries, particularly outside Europe. It is estimated that 15% of rosés in the world are produced this way, that's no small thing!
So, shall we drink a glass of rosé this evening?!