In recent years more and more people are drinking rosé wine and it is not surprising. It is a fresh wine that is perfect for any occasion, you can drink it with a great meal or on its own, thanks to its versatility.
There is a popular belief that rosé wine was the first in history and that it comes from Roman times, but this is nowhere near reality. Today it is known that this is not so and that the origin of rosé wine is in Provence, France. Rosé wine is closely linked to the Mediterranean Sea, especially because of the climate.
How are rosé wines made?
Many people may think that rosé wine is made from a blend of red and white wine, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The elaboration of rosé wine has a whole process and there are three methods to elaborate a rosé wine.
By contact with the skins
This production technique is used when rosé is the primary product. It consists of crushing red grape skins, allowing them to remain in contact with the must for a short period, usually two or three days. The grapes are then pressed, and the skins are discarded instead of being left in contact during the entire fermentation (as in the case of red). The skins contain much of the tannins and other strong-flavored compounds, and removing them results in a taste more similar to that of white wine. The longer the skins are left in contact with the must, the more intense the color of the resulting wine will be.
By the Saignée method
This arises as a by-product of the fermentation of red wine. The producer, during the maceration of the red wine, removes 10% of the juice from the tank, so that, on the one hand, we obtain a more concentrated red wine, and on the other hand, a rosé wine whose color is characterized by being more intense, tasty and long-lasting.
The tear rosé is also obtained by this system of must bleeding. It takes 2 or 3 kilos of grapes to obtain a bottle of rosé. In this way, the best of the grape is extracted and its elaboration is more complicated than other types.
The traditional grape variety used in this technique is Garnacha, although Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also used in smaller quantities.
By maceration
This is perhaps the most traditional method, where instead of pressing the grapes, the juice is left with the skins for a short period of time to achieve the color and tint of the skins before removing them. The varieties of red grapes used in this method are Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, for more concentrated rosé wines, or Garnacha, for lighter ones.
Characteristics of rosé wines
We can establish two main groups of rosé wines: dry and sweet.
Dry Rosé
Dry style rosé wines are the most produced all over the world, mainly in France and Spain. Most of these wines are combinations of grape varieties; in addition, they are usually elegant wines with good acidity. They also have a more fruity and herbal flavor that distinguishes them.
Sweet Rosé
Sweet rosé wines are made avoiding the fermentation of all the grape sugar or residual sugar. This is how they preserve all the sweetness of the grapes when you enjoy them in your glass. This softness and lightness left by the sugar makes them perfect to accompany white meats, melted cheeses or salads.
Why choose a rosé wine?
Choosing a rosé wine is a good choice for any occasion, because it is a type of wine with a fruitier taste, it has a fresher and softer aromatic intensity and has a wilder and more natural nuance. The acidity level is not as strong.
There are some rosé wines with floral influences. It is also attractive to the eye because of its refined and elegant color.
The essence of rosé wine lies in its simplicity, in the moderation of its flavors and its crystalline exquisiteness. It is a classic and innovative wine, which breaks with all the tradition that reflects the red wines.
It is also important to note that recent years have been characterized by a return to the values of the seventies and eighties. We are trying to rescue the best of the past. And of course, that nostalgia has made us rescue rosé wines and bring them back into fashion. Rose wine was in the past a product of great value and are back to stay.
Spanish rosé wines
In Spain, the main varieties for the production of rosé wine are Grenache and Tempranillo. However, rosés can be made with almost any grape variety, such as Syrah, Cariñena, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Cinsault; and its production is characteristic of Calatayud (Aragón), Valencia, La Rioja and Navarra.
Bodegas Pinoso
Bodegas Pinoso is located in Alicante region, Spain. This winery stands out for its production of high quality organic wines.
In addition to environmental protection, they are also concerned about animal welfare, and therefore have adapted part of their wines to Vegan regulations.
Vegan wines are those in which only products of vegetable origin are used throughout the winemaking process, replacing traditional fining agents such as gelatin with bentonite and vegetable proteins.
Highlights among its marvelous wines are the Spanish rosé wine, that is organic and vegan.
Vergel Rosé
Vergel Rosé from Bodegas Pinoso, is a 100% Monastrell wine, original grape from Spain. It was made by skin contact for 3 hours getting a light pale rose that makes it unique.
This wine has translucent pink with blue and purplish hints. Expressive, aromas of strawberries, raspberries, melon which develop themselves in a range of exotic fruits. Mild, fresh, elegant and tasty with a long and pleasant finish.
This modern organic rosé wine is adequate for lovers of new things due to its personality and incomparable tasted. The exclusivity of a grape variety Monastrell offers a daring, elegant wine full of freshness and vivacity, it presumes on being different, unique and authentic.
Spanish wines are undoubtedly unique, and have a very special flavor. Each wine is a world and we hope you want to know them all. If you want to continue knowing all our wines, if you want to know more about the Spanish wine and its traditions follow us on Instagram and Facebook