Drink pink: Our A–Z of rosé wine
From pale peach to pretty blush, rosé pleases both the palate and the eye. Choose one that suits you with the help of wine writer Aleesha Hansel.
Nothing says summer like a glass of cool rosé. While zippy, pale Provençal-style pinks are a popular go-to, there are plenty of other rosy delights well worth discovering. Something that stops people exploring rosé is the misconception that darker equals sweeter. But the difference in hues is down to the grape varieties, as well as the styles of winemaking. Think of a pinot noir and a cabernet sauvignon: one is light and the other dark, but both are dry. In fact, darker styles tend to have more body, structure and flavour, and are enjoyed so much in southern France that winemakers call them ‘rosé d’assiette’ – wine for eating.
Don’t forget, you can shop the largest selection of Rosé wines at Ocado.com.
The four ways to produce rosé:
Shortened skin contact
Grape juice is clear; it’s the skins that give colour. In this method, grapes are crushed to release juice, which is left with the skins to absorb their rosy hue. In general, the longer they’re left together, the darker the colour and the more body and fruit flavour the wine takes on.
Direct press
These wines are pressed straight away, like white wine, so only the slightest hint of colour comes from the skin. They tend to be the freshest and lightest.
Saignée
Translating from the French ‘to bleed’, this method ‘bleeds’ juice away from a tank of what will become red wine. These wines are concentrated in colour and richer in flavour.
Blending
Blending red and white wine is a technique used in ‘New World’ regions and not in Europe (except in Champagne). The colour and taste varies depending on the grape variety and ratios used.
Rosé wines for you to try
The four methods of production means there’s a lot to explore, and with Ocado having the largest selection of rosé wines on the market, you can be sure there’s one just for you.
Orée des Roses IGP, £9.99
Translating as ‘entrance to the rose garden’, this southern French rosé lives up to its name with aromas of rose, raspberry and strawberry. Made using shortened skin contact, it has a delightful light hue.
Mud House Sauvignon Blanc Rosé, £9
New Zealand knows how to do sauvignon blanc and this is no exception. A blend of its signature grape and pinot noir, this has lively tropical aromas with citrus undertones and fresh red berries.
Beronia Rioja Rosé, £9.99
From the warm Rioja climate and made using the saignée method, this wine has a fuller palate and deeper pink colour – great for red wine lovers looking to branch out. It has cherry, damson and floral characteristics.
Château de Berne Esprit Provence Rosé, £13.99
Produced via direct pressing, this premium Provence rosé is pale peach in colour. Expect delicate notes of grapefruit, peach, mango and slightly under-ripe red fruit.
Fancy learning more about wine? Check out this article for top tips on how to choose the best wines.