Category Archives: Rose Wine

A rosé is a type of wine that incorporates some of the color from the grape skins, but not enough to qualify it as a red wine. It may be the oldest known type of wine, as it is the most straightforward to make with the skin contact method.

The pink color can range from a pale “onion-skin” orange to a vivid near-purple, depending on the grape varieties used and winemaking techniques. Usually, the wine is labelled rosé in French, Portuguese, and English-speaking countries, rosado in Spanish, or rosato in Italian.

Live, Love Rose Wine Wine, Dine and Shine

Live, Love Rose Wine Wine, Dine and Shine

Live, Love Rose Wine

Wine, Dine and Shine

Customarily, Rose Wines are either sweet or dry. Overall, most often they tend to err on the dry side. However, old-world rose wines are typically bone dry. Nonetheless, new-world rose wines are sweeter along with a more pronounced fruit flavor.

The fruit flavor and sweetness in the New World Rose Wines are mostly because of variations in climate. Moreover, the employed production methods are also different.

Rose Wines typically incorporate some of the colors from the grape skins. But this is not enough to qualify it as red wine. Nevertheless, rose wine is the oldest known type of wine. It is the most unvarnished skin contact method to make wine.

Despite that, rosé is not a specific type of grape variety. It is simply a genre of wine. Like reds and white wines. Nonetheless, it is produced like other red wines, although the time rosé wines ferment with grape skins is cut shorter. It is the reduced skin contact that eventually gives rosé wine its signature, ‘pink color’.

Read Between The Wines

The first question that comes to mind is; is rosé wine a drink for women? Many folks normally associate it with the female gender because of its color. Apart from that, the truth is that rosé wine is not necessarily more delicate than red or white wine. This myth is essentially untrue because there is no one palate common to all. Taste is invariably similar to women and all men.

The Making Of Rosé Wine 

Indeed rosé wine is rapidly becoming the go-to booze for several wine lovers. Thanks to the spike in popularity, quite a few winemakers nowadays are choosing to produce pink wines alongside the usual reds. The conventional process of making pink-tinged wine has elements of both red and white wine production methods. They adopt the same fermentation processes as red wine. But these wines are fermented at the temperature of white. You may also find some winemakers choosing to simply blend red and white wine to create pink. Nevertheless, this approach is forbidden in most of the countries in the European Union.

Here is a breakdown of the conventional winemaking techniques for rosé wine. And most of these start in the vineyard itself.

  • Picking Black Grapes: Except for rosé champagne, almost all rosé wines are made from black grapes. However, rosé champagne uses chardonnay in its blend. The first step in the production of rosé wine is to harvest black grapes from the vineyard that you intend to utilize in the making of a pink-tinged wine. Most rosé winemakers are found to grow a variety they intend to make red wine with. But they allocate a small amount of the crop as well dedicated to producing a pale pink wine from the same harvest.
  • Initial Crushing: The grapes used in the process of making rosé wine are abashed into juice. This is done either by a machine or the old-fashioned method of using both feet and hands. There are quite a few small wineries that still prefer to crush the fruit barefoot in vats. This procedure is sometimes referred to as ‘foot trodding’ or ‘grape stomping’.
  • The Fermentation Process: This is the most exciting part of the making of rosé wine. This is where grapes turn into alcohol. The juice of black grapes is placed into a stainless-steel fermentation tank. After which, yeast is added to convert the fruit sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide; just like it is done during the production of red wine. The skins however are left on during the fermentation process to ensure that colors, flavors, and tannins are rendered and imparted from the grape skins to the rose wine.

However, unlike red wine, it is essential to ferment rosé wine at a much lower temperature alike white wines. Red wine on the other hand can be fermented for weeks at normal temperatures. It is therefore necessary to ferment only for 12 to 36 hours to create a rosé wine so that the grape skin contact is kept minimal. The only time you will need to ferment without grape skins is when you are adopting the Saignee approach for the production of rosé wine. This is when the crushed grapes are made to sit in a vat for 1 to 2 days before being filtered. This ensures that the grape skins are not present because the juice is transferred into the fermentation tank. This establishes that the colors and tannins are transferred to the blend just before fermentation. And not during the fermentation process.

  • Pressing & Removing Skin: The wine now needs to be pressed to remove any trace of grape skins from the final blend after a short fermentation process. This is essential unless you are using the Saignee technique where skins are filtered out before fermentation. You will see at this stage that the resulting wine is pale pink in color. This is because the grape skins have been in contact with the wine only for a very short amount of time.
  • Bottling: Most rose wines are bottled right away. This is to make sure that the delicate fruity flavors are effectively captured. And most pink wines are best when consumed young. The only exception to this rule is the vintage rosé champagne where bottle aging usually benefits the wine. Rosé wine on the other hand will have fining agents added to it. This is to get rid of any haziness in the appearance of the wine. And which will subsequently be ready for immediate consumption.
  • Indulgence: Most rose or pink-tinged wines are best served chilled. This is due to its gentle character and elegant aromas. It is therefore recommended that you cool your rose wine in the refrigerator before opening it. This will accentuate the refreshing fruity flavors of the drink.

Some Myths And Truths About Rosé Wine 

There is an increasing acceptance and consumption of rosé wine. But there still are numerous illusions and superstitions that confuse its image. Down here, we try to help clarify many of these myths so that you can appreciate the excellent values that exist behind consuming rosé wine. 

  1. a) Rosé Wine is a Blend of Red and White Wine 

This is one of the most widespread false information about rosé wine. It is factually incorrect. The truth is that rosé wine is not a blend of red wine and white wine.

It is possible that rosé wine can be made from a mixture of red and white grape varieties but it is not really a mix of red and white wines as such. In any case, rosé wine is not about color, but this facet is generated due to a brief contact with the skin of the grapes. This aspect not only tints the wine but also provides the tannins that also come along. 

Contact with grape skins can last for up to a week in the making of red wine. But in the case of rosé wines, it lasts only for about 24 hours. Subsequently, the ‘bleeding’ process is carried out to extract the must. This really explains why its color is pink and not reddish. 

  1. b) Rosé Wine is Only Enjoyed During the Summer Season 

This is yet another myth or false information like the one that says that red wine only goes well with meat. Or the one that says that white wine is meant to be consumed with fish. There is no fixed singular rule or a single possible combination for any type of wine. 

But it is true that rosé wine is usually consumed chilled as it can be light and refreshing in this condition. And, therefore, a good choice for summer. However, this by no means says that it can only be enjoyed during the summer season. In short, there is no fixed time or a moment when you can enjoy or relish a wine. You are always free to choose the moment and the ways to consume wine.

  1. c) Rosé Wine is Only for Women

This false information comes from sexist stereotypes. They maintain that rose wine is a ‘women’s thing’. And even assign tastes or preferences according to gender. This idea basically originates since rosé wine is supposedly more delicate than other types of wines. Therefore, it is a preferred choice for women. There also are other types of people who, because of its color, associate rosé wine with the female gender. 

The truth from experience is that rosé wine is not necessarily more delicate than red or white wines. This is false information because there is no one palate common to all. Including women and all men. There are no separate wines for men and women. Regardless of gender, there are as many tastes and palates as there are people. 

  1. d) Rosé Wines Have Little Alcohol Content 

Another false belief about rosé wine is that it contains little alcohol. This is not true at all. There are rosé wines that can reach up to 14 percent ABV (Alcohol By Volume). 

  1. e) Rosé Wines are Always Sweet 

This is another myth that is just as untrue as the previous one, that rosé wines have low alcohol content, and other wines have high alcohol content. However, we can definitely say that there are sweet rosé wines and other drier ones as well where acidity predominates. It all depends on the winemaker as to what they want to achieve. But it is true that there are rosé wines for all types of tastes and palates. 

  1. f) The Intensity of the Color of Rosé Wine is an Indicator of Quality 

This is far from the truth. The intensity of the color of a rosé wine is determined by the maceration time. Or by the type of grape used in the making. Moreover, this is not at all an indicator of the quality of wine. Some of the most highly rated rosé wines available in the market are salmon-colored. 

  1. g) Rosé Wine Does Not Go Well with Food 

People usually associate rosé wine as an option for cocktails. Or aperitifs rather than to accompany a meal. Nevertheless, the truth is that rosé wine is very versatile. It can pair very well with cold meats, rice dishes with fish, rice dishes with meat, salads, smoked meats, and white fish, among other options. 

  1. h) Rosé Wines are of Inferior Quality to Red or White Wines 

It is a prejudiced opinion that rosé wine is a sort of ‘third option’. And mainly because of its lower quality and complexity when compared to red or white wines. This is however not true.

You can find several rosé wines around the world that have the quality seal of 90+ Parker Points and 80+ Peñín Points. 

The key to the quality of wine lies in the variety and quality of the grapes and the soil. Eventually, it results from the complexity of the winemaking process as well. And its passage through the cellar among many other things. The type of wine however matters the least. 

  1. i) Rosé Wine Consumption is Low 

The world consumption of rosé wine has in fact soared over seventeen years according to the Observatoire Mondial du Rosé. And it was also found to be growing at 40 percent between 2002 – 2018. In fact, global consumption reached a record level of 25.6 million hectolitres in 2018. And rose wine production recorded 26.4 million hectolitres in the same year. 

The figures also show that the global flow of rosé wines reached €2.2 billion in terms of countries in 2018. At the same time, It reflects that premium rosé wines mainly come from France and Spain maintained a strong entry-level position.

The Best of Greek White Or Rose Resinated Wine

Greece is the top destination for white wines. Greek White or Rose Resinated wine is fresh, light, easy-drinking, and available at most times of the year. 

Some great sweet red wines are also available in Greece, but it is the white wine that steals the show. The Greek White or Rose Resinated wine is the most distinctive gift from this cradle of Western civilization.

Indigenous White Grape Varieties

Made from indigenous white grape varieties, the Greek White or Rose Resinated wine maintains a different taste profile. It is a tribute to the parade of white grape varieties growing across Greece’s various islands and mainland growing regions.

Produced right at home, the Greek White or Rose Resinated wine has the verve and balance that are every bit as energetic and lively as the northern lights of Chablis. It is commonly blended with exotic fruits, almonds, and lemon skins. 

Greek white wines are largely influenced by the sea. The cooling breeze, particularly in the night, imparts a freshening presence in the vineyards. This enables the grapes to stay healthy and retain their acidity as well. 

Assyrtiko is at its very best on the island of Santorini, where the soil plays a vital role. These soils are volcanic, with the combination of sea and the sun. And such soil-producing wines invariably seem to crackle with life. With preserved lemon pithiness joined by salty refreshing notes like flavourful mineral water, it is one of the purest expressions of the Greek White or Rose Resinated wine. A better wine with white fish simply prepared is hard to imagine.

Significant Greek Whites

Although Greek white wine is also produced from international grape varieties, Assyrtiko, Debina, Moschofilero, Roditis, Savatiano, and Vilana are some of the most significant Greek Rose Resinated indigenous grape-wine varieties. 

  • Assyrtiko: It is one of the best-known qualities of Greek White or Rose Resinated wine. Assyrtiko ably retains acidity in hot growing conditions. And its popularity has spread from its native Santorini to other parts of Greece as well. The distinctive mineral character of Assyrtiko ages well and is sometimes blended with international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon or with the indigenous Malagousia. 
  • Debina: Widely grown in Epirus, northwest Greece, Debina is a white wine grape variety. It retains high levels of acidity. The and is the only permitted variety in the light Greek White or Rose Resinated wine of the Zítsa appellation. It is often produced as an off-dry or sparkling style white wine. 
  • Moschofilero: Best known for producing low-octane aromatic, spicy and delicate Greek White. Moschofilero is also used in the production of rosé and sparkling wine and is primarily cultivated in the Mantinia region of the Peloponnese.
  • Roditis: This Greek White or Rose Resinated wine is particularly grown in Anhkíalos in Thessaly, central Greece, and is a slightly pink-skinned Greek white-wine grape variety. Roditis retains acidity well in hot growing conditions and is a late-ripening variety. Often blended alongside Savatiano, it is particularly susceptible to powdery mildew and viruses. Roditis is also commonly used in the production of the Retsina.
  • Robola: Largely grown on Greece’s Ionian islands of Cephalonia, Robola gives its name to both the grape variety and the Greek White or Rose Resinated wine it produces. With a lot of power, acidity, and extract, Robola is distinctive and is a highly regarded Greek white wine having dry citrus lemon flavors. 
  • Savatiano: It is one of the most widely planted Greek white wine grape varieties in Greece. Savatiano has considerable holdings in Attica and Central Greece but is naturally low in acidity and highly drought resistant. Sometimes blended with Assyrtiko or Roditis to counteract its low acidity, Savatiano is the primary grape in Retsina. With well-balanced acidity, Savatiano can produce high-quality Greek White or Rose Resinated wine.  
  • Vilana: Native to the Greek island of Crete, Vilana is a white wine grape variety. It produces aromatic, lightly spicy, and dry Greek White or Rose Resinated wine with the Peza appellation requiring 100% Vilana. When blended with Thrapsathiri, Sitía requires 70% Vilana.

Greece was once one of the foremost producers of white wine in the ancient world. However, modern Greek wines are only now reaching out to the rest of the world. Greece now offers outstanding White or Rose Resinated wine value with new varieties to expand your palate! 

Feel free and look forward to enjoying the best Greek White or Rose Resinated wine that is made to be drunk young on any occasion or type of food without having to think about choosing a different bottle. Expand your perspective as Greek White is subtly a great different take with unfamiliar, indigenous grapes grown nowhere else in the world. So beware, it is easy to fall into a wine-drinking rut.