Learn about Rosé

Learn about Rose — Rosé wine shelf at a Safeway store

Learn about Rosé Wine

Rosé is not a grape.

First, it’s important to understand that rosé wine is not a combination of red and white wine. In fact, it’s made from red grapes. When the red grapes are crushed at harvest, the skins are removed after only a brief period of contact with the juice. This process, known as maceration, is what gives the wine its pink color and light tannins.

The maceration process can be done in a few different ways, but the most common method is called “direct press.” This involves crushing the red grapes and allowing the juice to sit in contact with the skins for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The longer the juice sits with the skins, the darker and more tannic the resulting wine will be.

After the maceration period is complete, the juice is separated from the skins and fermented like any other wine. The length and temperature of fermentation can vary depending on the winemaker’s preferences, but generally, rosé wine is fermented at a lower temperature to preserve its fruity flavors and aromas.

Another method of making rosé wine is called “saignée,” which means “bleeding” in French. This involves bleeding off a portion of the juice from a tank of red wine after only a short period of maceration, and fermenting it separately to make rosé wine. The remaining juice in the tank is then more concentrated, resulting in a darker and more full-bodied red wine.

While most rosé wines are made from a single grape variety, such as Grenache, Syrah, or Pinot Noir, some winemakers blend multiple grape varieties together to create a unique flavor profile. This can result in a more complex wine with a wider range of flavors and aromas.

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, depending on the winemaker’s preference. Some rosé wines are meant to be enjoyed young, while others can age for several years and develop more complex flavors over time.

In summary, rosé wine is made by macerating red grapes for a brief period of time to achieve its pink color and light tannins. It can be made using a variety of grape varieties and fermentation methods, resulting in a wide range of flavors and aromas. So next time you’re sipping on a refreshing glass of rosé, you can appreciate the time and effort that went into making this delightful wine.