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Rosé wines: fruity, fresh and versatile
Rosé wines are known for their versatility and refreshing taste. They combine the lightness of a white wine with the fruity notes of a red wine and are very popular with both wine lovers and casual connoisseurs. Their colour ranges from a delicate pale pink to an intense salmon pink, depending on the production method and the grape varieties used. Their fresh structure and harmonious balance make them the ideal companion for summer dishes, light starters and Asian specialities.
Rosé wines are made from red grapes, whereby the maceration time – i.e. the contact of the juice with the grape skins – is deliberately kept short. This gives them their characteristic colour, which lies between the transparency of a white wine and the depth of a red wine. They can be aged to be either dry, off-dry or sweet – depending on the region, the grape variety and the winemaker's style.
Rosé wine: a tradition that goes back to ancient times
The roots of rosé wine go back to ancient times, when light red wines – also known as vinum clarum – were appreciated as fine wines. In France, Clairet, a light wine from Bordeaux, was already being drunk in the Middle Ages and is considered the forerunner of today's rosé wine. The first official mention of rosé wines dates back to 1860, when the French scientist Jules Guyot scientifically documented the differences between rosé and red wine for the first time.
The modern revival of rosé wine began in the 1930s, when French summer holidaymakers on the Côte d'Azur took a liking to the fresh wines of Provence. However, the phylloxera crisis pushed rosé into the background for a long time, and it was dismissed as a simple wine. It was only in the early 2000s that it made a comeback, particularly in southern France, thanks to prominent wine lovers.
Today, over 2.5 billion litres of rosé wine are produced worldwide every year. It has become an integral part of the wine world, is highly rated and is in increasing demand. The enduring popularity of this type of wine is reflected in its presence on wine lists in top restaurants and the growing number of high-quality rosé wines on the market.
Grape varieties for rosé wines
Pinot Noir & Syrah
Pinot Noir is an elegant grape variety that is particularly grown in cooler regions such as Burgundy or Germany. Rosé wines made from Pinot Noir are light in colour and characterised by delicate aromas of strawberries, cherries and rose petals. They often appear light and delicate with a subtle structure.
Syrah gives rosé wines a deeper colour and spicier notes. Wines made from this grape variety are often more powerful, with aromas of dark berries, violets and pepper. In the Rhône region in particular, Syrah is used to create rosés with a pronounced structure and pleasant freshness.
Grenache, Mourvèdre & Tibouren
Grenache is one of the most important grape varieties for rosé wines. It is widely used in Spain and southern France, where it is used to make fruity wines with aromas of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon.
Mourvèdre is another important grape in rosé production. It produces full-bodied wines with aromas of dark berries, herbs and earthy notes. These rosés often have more structure and are an excellent match for savoury dishes.
Tibouren is a rare grape variety cultivated in Provence. It gives rosé wines a delicate colour and floral aromas with an elegant minerality.
Touriga Nacional & Touriga Franca
These Portuguese grape varieties, known from port wine production, are also used for expressive rosés. Touriga Nacional brings floral aromas and dark fruit notes, while Touriga Franca contributes freshness and structure.
Primitivo (Zinfandel)
Primitivo is mainly grown in Puglia and yields rosé wines with intense aromas of ripe berries, spices and a hint of black pepper.
Important rosé wine-growing regions
Switzerland, Valais & Ticino
The Valais is known for its Oeil-de-Perdrix made from the Pinot Noir grape, as well as for its Dôle Blanche, a speciality made from Pinot Noir and Gamay. Ticino produces fresh rosé wines based on Merlot.
Provence, France
Provence is the world leader in the production of high-quality rosé wines. Typical Provence rosés are pale pink, dry and characterised by aromas of red berries, citrus fruits and Mediterranean herbs.
Tavel, France
Tavel wines are known for their stronger colour and more intense aromas. These rosés often have a high ageing potential and a pronounced spiciness.
Sardinia, Italy
In Sardinia, rosés are produced from Cannonau and Carignano. They have a stronger structure and are often slightly salty due to the sea breeze.
Spain: Rioja & Navarra
Spanish rosé wines are often made from Garnacha and Tempranillo. They are fruity and spicy with a pleasant freshness.
Production of rosé wine
- Maceration method: The juice remains in contact with the grape skins for a short time to absorb colour and aroma.
- Direct pressing: The grapes are pressed directly, resulting in a particularly light, subtle rosé.
- Saignée process: Part of the must is removed during the red wine production process to achieve more intense aromas.
- Blending method: White and red wine are blended to achieve the desired colour and structure – a method used primarily for sparkling wines.
Rosé wines by the glass: colour, flavour and intensity
Rosé wines vary greatly in colour and aroma. While wines from cooler regions have a higher acidity and delicate fruit notes, rosés from warmer areas are characterised by more intense fruit aromas and a softer structure. Depending on the grape variety and how they are aged, rosé wines can range from light and fresh to full-bodied and robust.
How to properly serve rosé wine & matching dishes
Rosé wines are ideally served at 8–12°C. They go particularly well with:
- Aperitifs: light, dry rosés are the perfect companion for olives, antipasti or canapés.
- Fish and seafood: Mediterranean rosés with a mineral note go well with salmon, shrimp or mussels.
- Grilled dishes: Full-bodied rosés from Spain or Italy go well with grilled meat or vegetables.
- Sparkling rosé wines: Perfect for special occasions – whether as a Champagne or a Franciacorta.
Frequently asked questions about rosé wine
Is rosé a type of red wine?
Rosé wines are made from red grapes, but get their lighter colour from the reduced skin contact time.
What makes rosé different from white wine?
While white wines are made from white grapes, rosé wine is made by briefly macerating red grapes.
How long can rosé be stored?
Most rosé wines are intended for immediate enjoyment, but some higher-quality varieties can be stored for several years.