Rosé Wines

Production of Rosé Wine

The success of a good rosés on the international scene is a recent phenomenon, often linked to trends and new consumption habits. However, in some regions, the tradition of producing rosé wines has ancient roots. Some regions of Southern Italy, such as Puglia and Sicily, have always been home to some of the best rosé wines, competing in quality with the famous interpretations from Provence. Another important production area is Lake Garda, on the border between Lombardy and Veneto, where the famous Chiaretto wine is produced. The Abruzzo region is also home to the renowned Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, a rosé that reaches very high-quality peaks.

In all these territories, the creation of pink musts is a centuries-old phenomenon linked to rural traditions, when mixed grapes, both white and red, were pressed together. However, their widespread production began only after World War II, thanks to the entrepreneurial intuition of some producers of the best Puglian rosé wines, which achieved great international success. Since then, oenological knowledge has improved, and today, it is possible to follow three different production techniques.

It should be noted that the most intuitive and obvious method, i.e., mixing white and red wines to obtain the typical pink colour, is prohibited in almost all production countries. The only exception allowed is for the creation of cuvées for Champagne and sparkling wines.

• The most common and widespread technique for making rosé wine consists of briefly macerating the skins in the must, using red-skinned grapes. The intensity of the colour can vary in direct proportion to the contact time between the skin and the liquid part of the must. Generally, a distinction is made between “one-night” macerations, lasting between 6 and 12 hours, and one-day macerations. In the first case, a lighter and more delicate colour is obtained, while in the second, a more intense pink that tends towards red can be achieved, which can be defined, depending on the intensity, as cerasuolo pink, the colour of cherries, or even Chiaretto pink. This type includes many Abruzzese rosés, as well as Puglian and Sicilian rosés.
• A second technique of French origin is called saigné, which means bleeding. It simply involves adding part of the must from macerated red grapes, intended to become red wine, to another white must, thus intended to become rosé. This technique is practised by some producers of red wines or sparkling wines, both in Italy and France.
• A third solution involves the use of pigmented red grapes with low tannin content, i.e., grapes with coloured pulp, capable of imparting colour to the must without the need for maceration. This practice is rare and not widespread because it is limited to the use of so-called tintoria grapes, including Nero d’Avola, Ancellotta, Cinsaut, Alicante, Montepulciano, and Tintilia.

Main Types of Rosé Wine

Rosé wines come in a variety of styles, distinguished by their production methods, sweetness levels, and regions of origin. Here are the main types of rosé wines.

Still Rosé Wines: 

Still rosé wines are those that lack bubbles, as they do not contain carbon dioxide, whether naturally occurring or artificially added.

• Dry Rosé: Most rosés fall into this category, characterized by their lack of sweetness.
• Sweet Rosé: These have noticeable sweetness, often made from grape varieties like White Zinfandel (California), Pink Moscato, and some off-dry rosés from Portugal.

Sparkling Rosé Wines:

Sparkling rosé is just as it sounds: a bubbly pink wine. These wines are crafted in various styles across many regions around the globe.

• Sparkling Rosé: Made using various methods, including the traditional method (Méthode Champenoise) or Charmat method.
• Rosé Champagne: A specific type of sparkling rosé from the Champagne region of France, made using the same traditional method but with added prestige and often more complex flavours.

Rosé Origins: Vineyards of Southern France and Italy

Today, rosé wines are produced worldwide, but the most famous expressions come from Mediterranean regions in Southern France and Italy, which have the longest winemaking traditions.

The Best French Rosés

Some of the best rosé’s wines are produced in southern France, where the terroir is tempered by gentle sea breezes and populated by a large number of red grape varieties suitable for rosé winemaking. In addition to Provence, where indigenous varieties such as Cinsault and Grenache are used, other important production areas are Languedoc and Roussillon, with the small town of Tavel standing out as an important appellation.

Great Italian Rosé Wines

Italian rosé wines are found throughout the country, but they are extraordinarily common in the south. For example, in Alto Adige, there are some delicate and fresh interpretations of Lagrein, while in the Lake Garda area, there are pleasant and versatile Bardolino Chiaretto labels divided between Lombardy, where Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera, and Sangiovese grapes are used, and Veneto, starting with Corvina and Rondinella. In recent years, Tuscany has also played a prominent role, using international or Sangiovese grapes.

In southern Italy, some of the most famous rosés can be found: from Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, based on Montepulciano, to the rich and structured expressions of Gaglioppo in Calabria. A leading role is played by Puglian rosé wine, based on Negroamaro in Salento or Nero di Troia. In recent years, due to their excellent quality, Sicilian rosés, particularly those based on Nerello Mascalese produced on Etna, have also been very successful. In the rest of the island, Nero d’Avola grapes are used to create truly unique Italian rosé wines!

The Best Rosé Wine Brands

Some of the most renowned and beloved Rosé labels include:

• Chateau d'Esclans: Whispering Angel rosé Provence's Elegance
• Cà Maiol:  Lugana Excellence, Innovating Tradition by Lake Gard
• Poggio Le Volpi: Ancient Latium Tradition, Quality Wines, Natural Harmony
• San Marzano: Tradition, Modernity, Excellence in Apulian Wines

Rosé Wine Pairings

At the table, rosé wine proves to be very versatile, able to lend itself to a wide range of pairings, from informal and everyday ones with cheese, pizza, fried foods, mushrooms, and pasta dishes to more substantial dishes based on fish, shellfish, and seafood. Due to their great freshness and pleasant drinkability, these expressions are particularly appreciated during the summer season or, all year round, during aperitifs, for romantic occasions or important dinners based on fish.

Rosé Wine Offers

On Callmewine, you can find a wide selection of rosé wines for sale online at the best price. Discover our catalogue, choose the bottle of Rosé you prefer, buy online on Callmewine at advantageous prices, and find the best rosé wine offers.