ROSÉ WINE

Rosé wine is made all over the world from a host of different grape varieties. The colour of rosé wine has become a subject of somewhat of controversy as many leading sommeliers and wine experts are claiming that modern winemakers are looking to produce rosé wine of pale pink colour, which is more popular with consumers. With conventional wine, the producers are allowed to use colouring agents that change the appearance of the wine, sometimes with an effect on the taste of the wine itself.

You can find an example of a slightly darker rosé, naturally made wine, from the south of France. No colourant additives are used whatsoever to create this wine. You can also find natural rosé wine from Northern Italy, which does have a pale pink colour. Again without the usage of any additives at all.

The grape varieties mainly used for Rosé are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (shiraz), Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache and Mourvedre. In some areas, merlot is also used to create natural rosé wine. Sparkling rose wines such as champagne are made using a blend of white and red varieties such as pinot noir, Pinot Meunier and chardonnay. In Italy, pinot grigio is used to make some rose wine.