How to make rosé wine:
Complete Guide for Wine Lovers Are they exceptional?

Verre vin rosé

Rosé wine , with its alluring color and fruity aromas, is a beverage enjoyed by many wine lovers around the world. But do you really know what goes into making this delicious pink beverage? In this detailed guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the rosé wine making process, shedding light on each essential step to producing a premium rosé wine.

Introduction to rosé wine

Grappe raisin

Rosé wine is a wine that falls between red and white wine in terms of color and flavor. Contrary to popular belief, rosé wine is not simply a blend of red and white wine. It is made from black grapes with white pulp, with a shorter maceration than that used for red wine.

Step 1: Choosing the grapes

The first crucial step in making rosé wine is the selection of grapes. The grapes used to produce rosé wine are mainly black grapes with white pulp, such as Grenache , Syrah , Mourvèdre and Cinsault . These grape varieties are chosen for their aromatic characteristics and their ability to produce good, balanced and refreshing rosé wines .

Raisin noir pulpe blanche
Grappe raisin

Step 2: Maceration

After the harvest, the grapes are transported to the winemaking place where the maceration process begins. Maceration consists of leaving the grape skins in contact with the must for a specific period of time, usually a few hours to a few days. It is this maceration that gives rosé wine its characteristic color, ranging from pale pink to salmon pink.

Step 3: Pressing

Once maceration is complete, the must is pressed to separate the juice from the skins and seeds. This juice is then transferred to fermentation tanks to begin the alcoholic fermentation process. Pressing is a crucial step because it largely determines the color, flavor and texture of the final rosé wine.

Production rosé fermentation
Raisin main

Step 4: Fermentation

During alcoholic fermentation, the sugars present in the must are transformed into alcohol under the action of yeasts. This fermentation can take place in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, depending on the winemaker's preferences and the style of rosé wine desired.

Step 5: Breeding

After fermentation, some rosé wines may undergo a period of élevage to develop more complexity and character. During this time, the wine may also be aged in oak barrels to add vanilla and toasted aromas, or in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and fruit purity.

Fût rosé
Clarification et filtration

Step 6: Clarification & filtration

Before being bottled, rosé wine is often clarified and filtered to remove impurities and suspended particles. This step ensures the stability and clarity of the wine, while preserving its natural aromas and flavors.

In conclusion, making rosé wine is a complex and meticulous process that requires considerable expertise and know-how. From grape selection to bottling, each step is carefully orchestrated to produce the best rosé wine , enjoyed by wine lovers around the world. By understanding the rosé wine making process, you can better appreciate and savor this delicious beverage during your next tastings.