Rosé, the summer essential

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, holidays and convivial moments. It is also the ideal season to enjoy a good rosé wine. Having become a must, rosé seduces with its freshness and lightness.

Let us explore together the reasons for its popularity, the method of making rosé wine and some recommendations for good rosé wines to brighten up your summer days.

What is rosé wine?

The rosé wine is a wine distinguished by its pink colour, which can range from very pale to more intense. This unique hue is obtained through a specific winemaking process, distinct from that of red and white wines. Rosé is not simply a blend of red wine and white wine, as some might think.

The making of rosé wine

The making of rosé wine relies on a delicate process involving controlled maceration of black grapes. Here are the main stages in the making of Languedoc rosé wine :

1. The harvest

The first step is the harvesting of the grapes. Rosé wine producers generally use specific grape varieties such as grenache, cinsault, mourvèdre or syrah. The harvest can be manual or mechanical, depending on the region and the type of rosé wine to be produced.

2. Maceration

After the harvest, the grapes are destemmed and placed in vats for maceration. It is during this stage that the grape skins, rich in pigments, colour the juice. The duration of maceration is crucial: it can vary from a few hours to a few days. The shorter the maceration, the paler the rosé wine will be.

3. Pressing

Once maceration is complete, the grapes are pressed to extract the juice. This juice, which has taken on a pinkish hue, is then fermented. The fermentation of rosé wine is generally carried out at low temperature to preserve the fruity and fresh aromas.

4. Ageing and bottling

After fermentation, the rosé wine can be aged in stainless steel vats or oak barrels, depending on the style desired by the winemaker. The ageing generally lasts a few months. Finally, the wine is filtered and bottled, ready to be enjoyed.

Why is rosé wine so popular in summer?

Rosé wine has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly during the summer period. Several reasons explain this enthusiasm.

Freshness and lightness

Rosé is appreciated for its freshness and lightness, making it a perfect drink for warm days. Served chilled, between 8 and 12°C, it quenches thirst and brings a refreshing touch.

Conviviality

Rosé is often associated with moments of sharing and conviviality. Whether at a barbecue with friends, a picnic or an evening on the terrace, it lends itself to all occasions. Its versatility allows it to pair with a great variety of dishes, from salads to grilled meats, including seafood.

The diversity of styles

There is a great diversity of styles of rosé wines, from the driest to the fruitiest, including more structured versions. This variety allows everyone to find a rosé to their taste. Lovers of good rosé wines can thus explore different wine-growing regions and discover unique aromatic nuances.