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Once associated mainly with warm evenings, leisurely brunches, and summers on the French Riviera, rosé wine has burst out of its seasonal stereotype to become a year-round favourite among wine enthusiasts. And with so many to choose from – from pale, elegant Provence to fruity, vibrant modern pinks – there’s a rosé for every occasion.
Here’s a handy guide into the different types of popular rosé wines, as well as a quick look at some lesser-known rosé varieties that might just tickle your fancy.
Popular types of rose wine
With a range of styles available, there’s a rosé wine to complement every dish, occasion and personal taste. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of rosé wine.
Provence rosé
Arguably the most popular pink on the planet, Provence rosé is the gold standard for quality dry rosé wine. Made famous by the likes of Minuty and Whispering Angel – which sells over 1 million cases annually – there’s no denying its crisp, refreshing appeal.
The origins of Provence rosé can be traced all the way back to 600 BC, according to historic records – where grape vines were brought to the land by the Greeks. Fast-forward to today and 87% of Provence’s total wine production is rosé, making it the largest rosé producing region in France.
In terms of style, classic Provence rosé tends to be fruity and lean with red berry and rose petal aromas – complemented by a distinctive minerality. It’s incredibly versatile for any dish or occasion and is just as at home on the patio as it is in the dining room – pairing well with everything from grilled vegetables to seafood. It even goes down a treat with a juicy burger.
If your tastebuds are tingling at the idea of this delicious wine, you’ll adore our bestselling Provence rosé Moulin de Pontfract 2023 – irresistibly fresh and fruity with oodles of strawberry charm.
Rosé Champagne
What’s more fun than a bottle of Champagne? A pink Champagne, of course. Rosé Champagne has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few decades – and it’s easy to see why. The delicious red berry flavours of Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier combine beautifully with the biscuity, brioche flavours and mouth-caressing bubbles that make Champagne so popular.
For a special occasion pink Champagne, we recommend the multi-award-winning Laurent-Perrier Rosé. And for a more pocket-friendly alternative, you can’t go wrong with Charles de Cazanove.
White Zinfandel
White Zinfandel is a style of rosé wine that gained popularity in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century. Despite its name, White Zinfandel is not a white wine but rather a pink-coloured rosé wine made from the Zinfandel grape.
The creation of White Zinfandel was somewhat of an accident. In traditional red Zinfandel winemaking, the grape skins are left in contact with the juice for an extended period to extract colour and tannins. However, in the 1970s, winemaker Bob Trinchero of Sutter Home Winery in California accidentally left a batch of Zinfandel wine fermenting with the skins for a shorter time than intended. This resulted in a lighter-coloured wine with less tannins and a sweeter taste profile.
Rather than discarding this ‘mistake’ Trinchero doubled down and sold it as a new wine, marketing it as ‘White Zinfandel.’ The wine quickly gained popularity, especially among Americans, who preferred its slightly sweet and fruity taste.
White Zinfandel typically has a pale pink colour, with fruity aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon, a slightly sweet taste, and low acidity. It's usually made in a style that is easy-drinking, approachable, and meant to be enjoyed young.
A great example of this charming everyday drinker is Petticoat White Zinfandel – great on its own but absolutely lovely with grilled prawns or spicy salsa.
Popular rosé grape varieties
Rosé wines can be made from pretty much any red grapes – but some lend themselves better to pinks than others. Here are some of the best rosé grapes and their characteristics.
Grenache rosé
Grenache is a grape that loves the sun. Soft, plump, and often high in alcohol, it’s the powerhouse behind many of southern France’s most delicious reds. If you’ve been fortunate enough to try a classy bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, from one of France’s most iconic regions, it’s likely Grenache was used in the blend.
But back to rosé! Grenache rosé wines typically have a brilliant ruby hue as opposed to Provence’s ultra-pale pink appearance. They’re known for their light, refreshing character, often exhibiting flavours of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, and floral notes. They tend to have crisp acidity and can range from bone dry to slightly off-dry, depending on the winemaking style and the grape-growing region.
Known in Spain as Garnacha Rosado this style of wine is versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods, including shellfish, salads, grilled vegetables, and light pasta dishes. They're also enjoyable on their own as a refreshing summer sipper.
Discover the intense crisp fruit and lifted herbal aromas of this Garnacha Rosado, Flor de San Martín – oh-so juicy and brimming with character.
Tempranillo rosado
Tempranillo rosé is rapidly gaining popularity in Spain, and it’s easy to see why. With its gorgeous pale pink hue and notes of watermelon, raspberry and green peppercorn – Tempranillo rosé offers something a little more characterful than your standard rosé.
Many Tempranillo rosés (or rosados as they’re known in Spain) also blend a bit of Graciano and Grenache, adding delightful floral notes to the flavour. Enjoy alongside fried chicken or tacos to bring their distinctive flavours to life.
Sangiovese rosato
You've most likely heard of Sangiovese as a full-bodied, juicy red wine ... but did you know it can be used to create a light, refreshing rosé too? Sangiovese hails from Italy and is particularly associated with the central regions of Tuscany and Umbria. Its rosé (or rosato) counterpart typically has bright acidity, with strawberry, raspberry, and cherry flavours with a refreshing, crisp finish - with some also having floral and herbal hints,
Like many rosé wines, Sangiovese rosé pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly lighter fare such as salads, seafood and charcuterie. Its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward flavours make it a popular choice for summer gatherings and al fresco dining. It’s the perfect option for those wanting to try a brighter rosé.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a notoriously temperamental red grape variety that performs best in cool climates ... and makes great rosé as it happens. The production of Pinot Noir rosé typically involves a process known as ‘direct pressing’ or saignée, where the grapes are crushed and the juice is allowed to macerate with the skins for a short period, usually a few hours. This brief contact gives a light pink hue to the wine before it is separated from the skins and fermented.
The result is a rosé wine with a pale pink colour and wonderfully delicate flavours of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and sometimes citrus notes. It can also have floral aromas and a hint of minerality.
While not as renowned as Provence or White Zinfandel, Pinot Noir rosé has gained popularity in recent years due to its approachable nature and suitability for a wide range of occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners.
Love Pinot Noir? Try a this stunning rosé from the esteemed Domaine Michel Thomas.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Arguably the most similar rosé to red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon rosé often exhibits a deeper shade of pink. Just like Pinot Noir, this is exclusively made with the saignée method – and is an excellent choice for red wine enthusiasts foraying into the world of rosé.
Blending spice with deliciously ripe cherry flavours, this rosé has higher acidity than Cabernet Sauvignon red wine, which gives it a light yet mouthfilling taste.
About the author
Louise Springham
Louise’s first copywriting experience was for a small pet start up in Paris during her time at university … fast forward 5 years and she’s switched cats for clarets. Whether it’s getting stuck into an SEO blog, crafting a pithy headline or studying for a WSET exam – she’s Level 2 qualified in both Wine and Spirits – it’s safe to say she adores it all. You’ll often find her chatting to anyone who’ll listen about her love for oaky Californian Chardonnay (she’s working hard to eliminate the dreaded ‘ABC’ mantra) or reminiscing about summers past in Provence.
