What is Rosé Wine?

Rosé wine is produced using red wine grapes but with minimal skin contact during fermentation, resulting in its signature pink colour and light body. It’s not a blend of red and white wine (with the exception of some sparkling rosés), but rather a product of a specific winemaking process.

Common Production Methods

• Maceration: Grapes are pressed, and the skins are left in contact with the juice for a short time to achieve the desired colour.
• Saignée: A portion of juice is "bled off" during red wine production, creating a by-product that becomes rosé.
• Blending: In rare cases, a small amount of red wine is added to white wine to produce rosé, commonly used in sparkling rosé production.

For a more detailed breakdown of rosé production, visit Wine Folly’s guide on how rosé wine is made.

Proper Handling and Storage of Rosé Wine

Rosé wine is best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage ensures it maintains its delicate aromas and flavours.

Optimal Rosé Wine Storage Conditions

• Temperature: Store rosé at 10°C–12°C to maintain its freshness and bright acidity.
• Humidity: Maintain 60%–70% humidity to protect cork integrity.
• Lighting: Keep rosé away from natural light to prevent lightstrike, which can dull its vibrant flavours.

Bottle Position

Store rosé horizontally if using a cork closure to keep the cork moist and prevent air ingress. Screw-capped rosés can be stored upright for convenience.

For additional storage tips, explore Decanter’s guide on storing rosé wine.

Ageing Potential and Best Practices

While most rosé wines are meant to be consumed young, a few high-quality varieties can benefit from short-term ageing.

Ageing Potential for Rosé Wine

• Provence Rosé: Typically enjoyed within 1–2 years for its fresh, fruity profile.
• Tavel Rosé: A richer, more structured rosé from France, capable of ageing for 3–5 years.
• Sparkling Rosé: Best consumed within a few years, though premium examples like vintage Champagnes can age longer.

Best Practices for Ageing Rosé Wine

• Store bottles at consistent temperatures to prevent spoilage.
• Monitor humidity levels to avoid cork drying.
• Use a wine fridge or cellar for rosés with ageing potential, ensuring optimal conditions.

For insights on how rosé ages, refer to Science Direct’s page on wine ageing.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Rosé wines are sensitive to environmental factors, so proper care is essential to preserve their quality.

Key Risks to Red Wine

• Lightstrike: UV exposure can alter the wine’s flavour and aroma, causing it to lose its vibrancy.
• Heat Damage: High temperatures can lead to flat, lifeless flavours and spoilage.
• Oxidation: Improper sealing or frequent temperature changes can result in dull, oxidised wine.

Risk Mitigation Tips

• Store rosé in dark, cool spaces or use UV-filtering glass in wine cabinets.
• Keep storage areas at stable temperatures year-round.
• Use a wine fridge with temperature controls for long-term storage.

How to Enjoy Rosé Wine

Serving rosé correctly enhances its refreshing character and pairs it beautifully with a variety of dishes.

Serving Temperatures for Rosé Wines

• Chill rosé to 8°C–10°C for optimal refreshment and aroma.
• Richer rosés, like Tavel, can be served slightly warmer at 10°C–12°C.

Best Glassware for Rosé Wine

• Use a white wine glass to highlight rosé’s delicate aromas and crisp finish.
• For sparkling rosé, opt for a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the bubbles and aromas.

Best Food Pairings for Rosé Wines

• Pair dry rosés with grilled seafood, summer salads, or charcuterie boards.
• Fruity, off-dry rosés complement spicy dishes, berry desserts, and tangy cheeses.

For pairing ideas, explore The Spruce Eats’ recommendations on rosé wine pairings.

Highlighting a Famous Rosé Wine: Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel (Provence, France)

Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel is one of the most iconic rosés, representing the elegance and charm of Provence wines.

Key Features

• Grapes: A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Vermentino.
• Flavour Profile: Notes of red berries, citrus, and a hint of peach, with a refreshing, dry finish.
• Best Enjoyed: Young, within 1–2 years of vintage, to capture its fresh, vibrant character.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store at 10°C to maintain its freshness and delicate flavours.
• Serve at 8°C to fully appreciate its crisp, clean finish.

Learn about storing and enjoying sparkling wines and champagne