What is Rosé wine? A short guide to this refreshing wine | 2023
Rosé wine is a type of wine that has grown in popularity in recent years. It is a versatile wine that you can enjoy as a refreshing drink on a hot summer day or paired with a variety of foods. Its produced with red grapes, but in general has less skin contact than red wines.
In this short read, we explore:
- The history of rosé wine
- Flavor profile
- Popularity
- Regions that produce rosé
History of Rosé Wine
The history of rosé wine dates back to ancient times. Evidence of its production has been found in Greece and Rome, where it was made by blending red and white wines. However, the technique of skin contact with red grapes was not discovered until much later. The first recorded production of rosé wine with skin contact was in the 8th century in the region of Provence, France. It was known as "vin gris," or "grey wine," due to its pale color.
Rosé was popular in the Middle Ages, particularly in France, where it was made the famous "clairet" wine. Clairet is a blend of red and white wines, which produced a pink-colored wine.
In the 19th century, the production of rosé wine began to increase, and it became more widely available. The French region of Provence became known for its high-quality rosé wines.
Popularity of Rosé Wine
In recent years, rosé wine has become popular worldwide. Places of of popularity include Mediterranean countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, as well as in the United States. In the in the past, rosé wine was often associated with lower quality wines. This perception changed in recent years, with many high-quality rosé wines now available.
Rosé wine is more popular in the summer months when people are looking for a refreshing and light wine. It is also popular as an aperitif or with lighter meals such as salads, seafood, and grilled meats.
Flavor Profile of Rosé Wine
Rosé wine can range from dry to sweet and from light to full-bodied. The flavor profile is often fruity, with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and citrus fruits. Depending on the grape varieties used and the winemaking techniques; the wine may have floral and herbal notes.
The color of rosé wine can vary from pale pink to deep salmon. The grape varieties used and the length of skin contact impact determine the color. Shorter skin contact produces a lighter color, while longer skin contact produces a darker color.
Notable Regions that Produce Rosé
There are many notable regions around the world that produce rosé wine. In France, the Provence region is particularly well-known for its rosé wines, which are often made using Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grape varieties. The Rhone Valley and Loire Valley regions are also known for their high-quality rosé wines, which are made using a variety of grape varieties.
In Spain, the Navarra region is known for its rosé wines, which are often made using Garnacha grape varieties. In Italy, the Tuscany and Veneto regions are known for their rosé wines, which are often made using Sangiovese and Corvina grape varieties.
In the United States, California is a major producer of rosé wine, particularly in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County regions. Other notable regions that produce rosé wine in the United States include Oregon, Washington, and New York.
Conclusion
Rosé wine is a versatile and popular wine that has a long and rich history. Many notable regions around the world produce Rosé that include California, Navarra (Spain), and Provence (France). Its popularity continues to grow today. This is likely due to its refreshing character and versatility in warm weather. Rosé wine is a perfect choice for a variety of occasions, from summer barbecues to elegant dinners.
We recommend picking up a case for your summer, since it pairs with almost any summer occassion.
