Collection: Buy rosé wines

-The maceration rosé : here, again after destemming, the grapes are pressed to extract the juice, but this time it is left in contact with the skins for a longer period (usually from 12h to 48h). The tint of the wines produced will therefore be much more intense than a press rosé, and one may even sometimes find a slight tannic structure in some wines. This method is used, for example, in the Tavel appellation.

-The "rosé de saignée" method : very similar to the "rosé de macération," the "rosé de saignée" follows the same method (juice-skin contact for 12h to 48h). The only difference here is that the rosé is supposed to be drawn off (or bled) from a vat intended to produce  red wine. The "rosé de saignée" will therefore also have a rather dark color compared to those from pressing.

Rosés for all tastes and budgets

Rosé wine has a very rich history and is very important in France as it represents about 20% of the volumes  produced each year in the country. Although its exact origin is difficult to determine, it is known that its earliest traces date back to Antiquity, a period during which it was consumed by the Greeks and Romans, although the wines of that time had little in common with those we currently enjoy ! Modern rosé began to appear in the 17th century, a time when winemaking techniques greatly improved. Then, it was during the 20th century that it gained significant importance in the French wine landscape.

Today, while rosé is produced in many regions such as Languedoc-Roussillon (IGP Côtes Catalanes, Pays d’Oc, Pays d’Hérault, AOC Faugères etc.), the Loire (AOC Sancerre, Cabernet d’Anjou etc.), the Jura, Burgundy or the Rhône Valley (AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, Tavel etc.), it is indeed in Provence where it reigns supreme. This region accounts for nearly 40% of the rosé volumes produced each year in France. Moreover, more than 90% of the wines made in Provence are rosés.

Thus, it is within this beautiful Mediterranean region that the AOC Côtes-de-Provence reigns supreme. For example, you will find within it superb properties like Château Sainte-Marguerite, domaine Figuière or smaller high-quality estates like domaine de la Navicelle. Provence also has other appellations producing rosés such as Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, Baux de Provence, Bandol (where domaine Tempier produces superb fleshy and intense rosés), or the very small appellation Palette  where the characterful and age-worthy rosé from Château Simone will surprise many ! Finally, the IGP Méditerranée also allows Provence and Corsica to produce rosés that are generally fresh, light, and refreshing.

A multitude of grape varieties and flavors

In France, rosé wines are made from a wide variety of grape varieties.Among the most used, we find Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc as well as Pinot Noir. Each of these grape varieties will bring a unique identity to the wines produced. Nevertheless, fruity notes are regularly found in rosés, evolving on citrus (grapefruit, lemon), red fruits (raspberry, strawberry), and white fruits (peach, apricot) as well as certain floral aromas (honeysuckle, hawthorn, violet).

In conclusion, rosé wine has a long history and has become a symbol of the French art of living. With its wide range of grape varieties, regions, and appellations, it offers its enthusiasts a multitude of choices, whether to accompany a summer meal on the terrace, an evening with friends, or a gourmet meal. It is also important to emphasize that rosé wine is not limited to a single season. Indeed, although it is often associated with summer, it can be perfectly enjoyed throughout the year. In winter, for example, a more structured and full-bodied rosé wine can perfectly accompany a meat dish or aged cheese.

Let's savor its great diversity and share joyful moments thanks to it !