The Bertrand family
Rosé wine and its grape varieties: Discovering the treasures of Languedoc-Roussillon
The rosé wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, once overlooked, have emerged as viticultural treasures, rivalling the greatest. Thanks to a judicious combination of grape varieties and winemaking methods, the Languedoc offers rosé wines that captivate palates the world over. Between fields of white flowers, bouquets of roses and vineyards as far as the eye can see, let us discover the universe of the main grape varieties of the region.
The colour of rosé wine
A subtle marriage of white and red, rosé draws its unique colour from a shorter maceration than red wine. Skin maceration and malolactic fermentation give it an authentic hue, ranging from very pale pink to grapefruit pink.
The grape varieties of rosé wine
Grenache
The Grenache grape variety is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the south of France. It contributes alcohol, sweetness and roundness to the wines. Rosé wines made with this grape variety reveal aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry and strawberry. It can also bring notes of liquorice and stone fruits.
CINSAULT
Originating from the Languedoc and the Southern Rhône, Cinsault offers rosé wines rich in floral flavours and summer berries. It is a grape variety of southern origin, known for its great adaptability to warm climates. It contributes freshness and lightness to the wines. Its subtle aromas lean towards raspberry, giving it a silky texture and moderate acidity.
MOURVÈDRE
The Mourvèdre is a Mediterranean grape variety that prefers warm climates. It brings depth and complexity to rosé wines with flavours of dark fruits, plum and spices. It can also present notes of Mediterranean garrigue.
SYRAH
Originating from the Rhône Valley, Syrah brings elegance and structure to Languedoc rosé wines. Also known as Shiraz in other regions, it offers flavours of dark fruits such as blackberry and black cherry, and sometimes even peppery notes.
Regarding the blending of rosé wines, in the Languedoc they are mainly composed of these grape varieties. A typical blend might include Grenache noir for sweetness, Cinsault for freshness, Syrah for structure and Mourvèdre for depth. These combinations yield balanced wines with a diverse aromatic palette. The art of blending lies in the winemaker's ability to balance these grape varieties to create a harmonious rosé wine that represents the Languedoc terroir
the secrets of rosé
The making of rosé wine
The making of rosé wine relies on several methods, including saignée, direct pressing, and short maceration. Saignée involves removing a portion of grape juice during fermentation, whilst direct pressing extracts the juice immediately after the grapes are crushed. Short maceration, meanwhile, involves limited contact between the must and the skins, giving the wine its characteristic rosé colour.
Languedoc-Roussillon: the rosé region
The South of France, particularly Languedoc-Roussillon, is a paradise for rosé lovers. From IGP to AOC and AOP, the French Mediterranean coast produces an endless variety of appellations. The region favours a viticultural and organic winemaking approach, taking advantage of the idyllic climate, limestone soils and typical vegetation. France leads global rosé wine production with more than 6.4 million hectolitres, followed by the United States and Spain.
Rosé wine, a symbol of conviviality and sharing, has established itself as the ideal companion for festive moments. The rosé wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, rich in complexity and fruity flavours, now rival the most renowned from Provence. Their rise in quality bears witness to the expertise of the winemakers and the attachment to an exceptional Mediterranean terroir. Tasting a Languedoc rosé wine is a plunge into the heart of the sun-drenched terroirs and viticultural traditions of this magnificent region.
Explore the Languedoc vineyards, savour the enchanting notes of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah and let yourself be carried away by the magic of our wines that embody the Mediterranean Art de Vivre.
To find out more about our rosé wine:
Best rosé wine, good rosé wine, rosé wine, organic rosé wine
Learn more about the making of our wines :
Making our rosé wines, making orange wine
Discover the Gérard Bertrand estates :
Its wine estates of Languedoc-Roussillon
Its expertise in crafting biodynamic wines
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