Define your favorite style of rosé wines
Are you more of a dry, mineral and light rosé or rather a generous, round and fruity rosé?
In terms of structure, do you want a dry, light rosé with good acidity, or do you prefer a more full-bodied and softer rosé? In terms of aromas, do you like salty or citrus notes, or do you prefer touches of red fruits like strawberry and raspberry? By knowing your preferences, you can choose the rosés that best suit your palate!
Choose between pressing or bleeding method
There are two main methods for producing rosé wine: pressing and bleeding.
Press rosés come from the direct pressing of bunches of black grapes, where the juice does not remain in contact with the skins. This gives pale colored, light and delicate rosés, as is the case for the “Coup de l’Étrier” Rosé vintage. Saignée rosés, on the other hand, are made by leaving the clear juice more in contact with the skins, which extracts more color, tannins and aromas. An example ? So try “N°1 Cuvée E. Obrist” Rosé.
How to differentiate these two methods? The darker the wine, the more contact there will have been between the juice and the skins. A colored rosé wine will therefore be produced using the saignée method.
Pay attention to the grape varieties used
Rosés are often made from a blend of several grape varieties. The most commonly used are Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
It happens that certain rosés are produced from a single grape variety (we call it a single grape variety): it is then even easier to predict the profile of the wine from the previous descriptions of each grape variety. Grenache gives rosés a side generous, gourmand, and full-bodied, as well as aromas of strawberries and scrubland. Cinsault gives fresh, floral and fruity aromas such as grapefruit, linden, redcurrant and pomegranate. Syrah brings color, structure, acidity and notes of spices (black pepper) and violet. Finally, like Syrah, Mourvedre brings color, structure and acidity, as well as notes of black fruits and a vegetal touch.
In conclusion, it all depends on the proportion of each of these grape varieties in the final blend. You can sometimes find this information on the back labels. At Obrist, we detail the grape varieties present on each product page. It happens that certain rosés are produced from a single grape variety (we call it a single grape variety): it is then even easier to predict the profile of the wine from the previous descriptions of each grape variety from the previous descriptions of each grape variety .
Consider the origin of rosé wine
Different wine regions are famous for their rosé wines. For example, Provence is renowned for its pale rosés with subtle aromas. Switzerland is renowned for its rosés combining aromatics and freshness. Bubble lovers will head towards the Prosecco and Champagne regions.
Provence is renowned for its delicious rosés. Their pale salmon wines reveal refreshing aromas of citrus and white flowers, evoking the summer atmosphere and moments of relaxation under the Mediterranean sun, like Château du pas du Cerf “Diane”.
Sunny regions of Switzerland, such as the cantons of Vaud, Valais and Neuchâtel, are known for their quality rosés. These wines benefit from a beautiful aromatic maturity while maintaining balanced acidity, thus offering intense, fresh and invigorating rosés.
Northeastern Italy seduces fans of sparkling rosé with its Prosecco Rosé. These lightly sparkling rosé cuvées captivate the taste buds with delicate notes of strawberry, cherry and rose, adding a touch of elegance to summer tastings.
Finally, rosé Champagne, a symbol of luxury and celebration, is a benchmark for rosé sparkling wines. With their aromas of red fruits and spices, vintages such as Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige offer a memorable taste experience. Each region brings its own personality and unique terroir to the production of rosés, offering a diversity of styles and characters to explore.
Consider the occasion
The occasion for which you choose your rosé wine can also play a role in your selection.
If you are planning a picnic, opt for a light and refreshing rosé which will go wonderfully with salads. The Château Pas du Cerf “Diane” vintage, previously mentioned, is a perfect example. As an aperitif, don't hesitate to experiment with rosé in refreshing cocktails. For example, the “Saint-Sidoine” rosé granita with watermelon is an irresistible summer option. Give free rein to your creativity and discover new ways to enjoy rosé! Keep in mind that rosé wine can be versatile and adapt to different occasions, even the most gastronomic ones. For a romantic dinner, choose a more intense, complex and structured rosé produced using the saignée method, like Château d'Aigueville Rosé.
If you feel overwhelmed by choosing the wine section, don't hesitate to ask an expert questions. Come to the Vinaria sales and tasting area in Vevey to get the best advice!
