Rosé Wine

Rosé Wine Vinification

A rosé wine, traditionally, is vinified from black grapes. There are three types of rosé wine production:

• The maceration rosé: The juice, before being pressed, macerates with the skin (which contains flavonoids which are the pigments responsible for the red color of the wine) for a period of up to 24-48 hours. The juice is then separated to be vinified. This will give a more pronounced color to the wine, as well as generally more noticed aromas.

• Press rosé: After the harvest, the grapes are directly pressed. The juice is vinified without the solid parts of the grape (stem, seed, skin). The resulting rosé will be lighter, often with more delicate aromas.

• Saignée rosé: The principle is the same as the vinification of a red wine. Except that after a few hours of maceration, part of the juice is separated to be vinified separately. This will give a saignée rosé. The other part is left in vats to produce red wine.

Rosé wine can also be a mix of red and white grapes in certain special cases in Champagne. But it is also a common process in the natural wine world. Because these winegrowers are less attached to appellations (the wine will be classified as a Vin de France) and are often in search of experimentation.

 

What is a Natural Rosé Wine?

A natural rosé wine is a wine made from grapes grown according to the principles of organic or biodynamic agriculture. During vinification, no inputs were added, except sometimes a minimal dose of sulfur at bottling (< 40 mg/l total SO2).

Note: There is no official label certifying a natural wine. The definition of a natural wine is an agreement in principle between the actors of this movement, with a part of personal interpretation.

What is a Biodynamic Rosé Wine?

A biodynamic rosé wine is a wine made from grapes whose vine cultivation respects the principles of biodynamic agriculture (preparation of plant potions, lunar calendar). During vinification, few inputs are allowed, as well as a maximum sulfur dose of 90 mg/l total SO2.

Note : To be sure that a rosé wine is biodynamic, it must be certified by the Biodyvin or Demeter label.

What is an Organic Rosé Wine?

An organic rosé wine is a wine made from grapes grown according to the principles of organic farming. During vinification, a certain number of inputs respecting the specifications are authorized, as well as a dose of sulfur of maximum 200 mg/l total SO2.

Note : To be sure that a rosé wine is organic, it must be certified by the Agriculture Biologique label.