What is Rose? Is it OK to like it?

What is Rose Wine?

And what is it exactly that makes rosé so popular? Well, you’re in luck, we’ve recruited Elle Rodriguez of The Modern Pour (and self-proclaimed rosé fanatic) to help us dive a little deeper into what makes people drink rosé all day! So let’s chat all about rosé.

What is Rosé Wine?

Ok, let’s point out the obvious — there are no natural pink grapes (which is a shame but oh well). But if there are no pink grapes then what gives rosé that pretty in pink colour? Well, it all comes down to maceration, or the soaking of wine grapes in their skins, during the winemaking process. Rosé wine is made from red grapes, any type actually, and is soaked for a shorter period of time in the skins — about 2 to 3 days. That is why you may see a pinot noir, grenache, syrah, red blend… we could go on, rosé during your next trip to the grocery store. As long as it’s a red grape it can be made into rosé!

Aside from maceration, there are also two other popular ways to make a red grape batch into rosé all day. The Vin Gris (Gray Wine) Method uses a shorter maceration period and therefore creates a lighter, almost white wine looking rose. This method is popular with pinot noir grapes in the US or Gamay and Cinsault grapes in France. The other way to make rose is through the Saignée Method, which creates long-lasting rosés through red wine fermentation. During red wine fermentation, 10% of the juice is bled off which creates a higher ratio of skin contact and thus a richer red wine. The leftover wine is then used for rosé, the colour tends to be darker and the taste more savoury.

But why so popular?

Aside from the obvious pretty colour, rosé has become popular for a variety of reasons. Next time you go to the supermarket take a look — quality rosés go for reasonable prices. This is because maturing takes less time which cuts production costs and ultimately sale prices.

And you can literally sip it all day (in moderation of course… though we won’t tell!). Rosé is highly drinkable. It’s dry, fruity and pairs well with the sun and a multitude of meals.

“The reason I love rosé so much (besides its many beautiful colours) is because its an amazing wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of foods. One of my favourite combos is rosé and chicken tacos,” says Rodriquez.

Light meals, heavier meals, it’s refreshing (and you SHOULD definitely try it with chicken tacos — yum).

Provence. You’ve likely heard about “Provence Rosé” regardless of your wine knowledge. Provence, France has been perfecting their wine techniques for hundreds and thousands of years… literally. They have been working on their techniques since the Greeks came over with grapevines in 600 BC. The climate is perfect for a dry rosé, with sunny and mild temperatures and a wind that blows from the north. The grapes are quick to ripen and the wines are not sweet. There is a specific style that has been a staple of the region, and rosés from Provence are almost always a great starting point for those without much wine knowledge.