How Rosé Is Made
Much of the unique properties that set Rosé apart from other wines are a byproduct of its winemaking process. Here’s a look at the unique process that goes into every glass of blush from grape to glass.
Maceration
This is where it all begins. Red grapes are crushed and their skins are left to soak in the resulting juice. After a few days, once the pink color and delicate flavor of Rosé has seeped out of the skins, the skins are removed and the wine is fermented. This produces light, crisp Rosé with a fruitier palate. Some of the best rose wine is produced using this method.
Saignée
An alternative method of making Rosé involves draining off some of the liquid from a vat used to make red wine. This allows the remaining red to become more concentrated while the Rosé is fermented separately. Rosé wines produced using this method are more full-bodied and closer to red wines in flavor.
Vin Gris
Vin Gris is a French term that literally means “grey wine” - but the resulting drink is anything but dull. This type of Rosé is made from red grapes using white winemaking methods. The grapes are crushed and the skins removed right away, but since they are red grapes the resulting juice is left with a pink hue and slightly fruity flavor.
Decoloring
Finally, there is an unusual method of making Rosé from red wine using activated charcoal known as decolorizing. Red rosé wine made using this method has a lighter color than the original red wine used to make them, but they tend to taste just like red wines. For Rosé connoisseurs, this can reduce the enjoyment of drinking these wines.
Old vs New
There are two main regional categories of Rosé: old world and new world. The age and growing region affiliated with these wines gives each type a distinctive taste.
Old World
Old world Rosé is usually grown in Europe, on vines that can be centuries old. Good Rose wine produced from these vines tends to be more acidic and richer in flavor.
New World
New world wine is grown in countries like the United States, Australia, Chile and Argentina. The vines tend to be younger and produce light, fruity, easy drinking Rosés.

Top 5 Heavenly Styles of Rosé Wine
Pinot Noir Rosé
Challenging to grow and rewarding to drink, Pinot Noir Rosé is full of fruity flavors like melon and strawberry without being overly sweet - or sometimes not sweet at all. It’s a great wine to enjoy with cheese and salads.
Syrah Rosé
This dark and spicy Rosé is like chocolate cherry without the sweetness. As a dry Rose wine, it pairs well with garlic-rich foods, pizza, and pasta.
Tempranillo Rosé
A Spanish Rosé with a light and fruity palate, Tempranillo Rosé is easy drinking and a must for summer dining. It pairs very well with salads, chicken dishes and mild cheeses.
Provence Rosé
Grown in one of France’s premier wine regions, Provence Rosé is some of the best Rose wines and never disappoints. Its subtle flavor makes it ideal to pair with almost any dish, offering unmatched versatility.
Tavel Rosé
A full-bodied Rosé that has a flavor profile similar to some red wines, Tavel is a perfect partner for meat dishes, grilled chicken or barbecue.
Top 3 Rosé Wine Clubs
Vinebox
Vinebox offers a selection of some of the world’s finest wines, delivered by the glass. While it’s not a Rose wine club as such, its selection frequently includes some excellent vials of blush. Quarterly subscriptions start from $79.
Naked Wines
Naked Wines is a British startup that funds independent wine producers and gives you access to their wines at wholesale prices. Their selection of Rosé is excellent, and you’ll find it well represented in almost every mixed wine gift box they offer.
Winc
Winc.com is known for taking the hassle out of buying wine with great wine deals and flexible orders - from a single bottle to a large case. Rosé wines are always a popular choice on their website, with American, European and South American wineries represented.
Last Words
Rose wine combines the crispness and easy-drinking quality of white wine with the complex flavors and full body of a red - what more could you ask for? With a variety of palates ranging from fruity to earthy and dry to sweet, there are enough top Rosé wines to please everyone.
Now that you know the main types of Rose wine and how to pair them with your favorite dishes, you’re probably keen to order some bottles for yourself or for a friend or loved one. The clubs featured in our wine club reviews are a great place to start exploring the possibilities.
Accordingly, here’s to the times you’ll spend with friends and family enjoying a delicious bottle of Rosé. Cheers!