B&G Blog

Down To The Basics. What Is Rose Wine?

A good French rose wine uses the pigments found in grape skins, but not to the extent that it would be considered a red wine. Due to the method of leaving the skins on the grapes, rose is one of the earliest varieties of wine known to man since it is far easier to produce than a zingy white or rich red wine.

Dependent on the grape types and winemaking procedures, the pink hue may run the gamut from light orange to nearly purple. Rose wine glasses have been sweeping Pinterest and Instagram in recent months, where the pink wine's gorgeous hue and light, crisp taste have made it a favorite among influencers.

How Is A Bottle of Good Rose French Wine Made?

Maceration

Maceration, the standard method for making pink wine, gives rose its distinctive tint. The juice takes on a light hue when red grapes are juiced and then macerated (allowed to soak) with their skins for a day or two. After the skins are removed, the fermenting liquid can continue to develop its flavor. If a rose is allowed to macerate with the skins for an extended period of time, the resulting wine will turn from pink to a deeper shade.

In places like Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon, where this technique is popular, the maceration style is by far among the most prevalent types of French rose wine.

Saignée

Saignée is a winemaking technique in which picked grapes are brought to a winery and kept in a fermentation vessel (often a stainless-steel tank or a huge wooden barrel) for a time that might range from a few hours to several days. After the fermentation process is complete, the winemaker will "bleed," or siphon off, some of the liquid from the tank.

At that time, the gorgeous pink juice is ready to ferment on its own without any additional color extraction. Saignée-produced roses tend to be darker in color and feature more pronounced overtones of dark fruit like dark cherry, blackberry, or blueberry.

Sweet vs. Dry Rose

Rose French wines can range from syrupy and sweet to extremely dry. Traditional ones tend to be on the dry side, while modern kinds often lean toward sweetness. Several factors, including but not limited to temperature, weather, soil type, and winemaking techniques, can influence how dry or sweet a wine ultimately tastes.

For example, whereas a semi-sweet rose might have undertones of spices and dried fruit, a moderately sweet rose wine might feature more pronounced raspberry, melon, and strawberry notes. In contrast, the juicy notes of stone fruits and berries shine through in extremely sweet rose wines. Peppercorn, melon, and dark smoky overtones of plums and cherries are dominant in dry to semi-dry rose wines.

Serving a Glass of Rose Wine

Put the rose in the fridge as soon as you get it home, and let it chill for a minimum of a few hours before drinking. The serving temperature is recommended between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Because ice dilutes and alters the flavor of wine as it melts, most sommeliers advise against adding ice cubes to your glass. Classic rose French wine is an excellent complement to chocolate-based fruit desserts, scallops, creamy pasta, or even a portion of scrumptious scrambled eggs. Some might even argue that the delicious vivacity of a sparkling French rose has the ability to complement the deep flavors of any cuisine.

Two of our Favourite Rose French Wines

Check out our recommendations for the top two rose French wines.

B&G Sparkling Rose

With its gorgeous salmon pink color and delicate mousse, the B&G Sparkling Rose is sure to be the center of attention at any celebration.

Strawberry and raspberry aromas are blended with spicy undertones to create a drink that will leave whoever is drinking feeling rejuvenated after just one sip. The B&G Sparkling Rose, with its aromas of dewy woodland fruits, is capable of transporting connoisseurs to a world where perfectly balanced acidulous tastes meet the richness of revivified cherry flavors.

Try a glass of this good French rose wine with a chocolate treat or some vanilla dessert, and watch your cares float away on a sparkling sea of bubbles.

Veuve du Vernay Rose

Veuve du Vernay Rose is the zenith of French rose sparkling wines and is a classic that will never go out of style. This light pink wine, packaged in a delicate ensemble, is the very definition of exuberance and elegance. The captivating aroma of Veuve du Vernay Rose is reminiscent of a bouquet of intense red fruits, including ripe strawberries, citrus nuances, and hints of redcurrant. When poured into a flute glass, the wine's gorgeous hue is matched by a persistent creamy mousse and a waterfall of tiny glittering bubbles. This rose French wine is best served with smoked salmon, shrimp, or lobster to create a memorable meal. Sushi and sashimi, to which it adds a subtle tannic note, are also excellent companions for a bottle of this effervescent.