All About Rose Wines

Rose wines have surged in popularity, becoming a year-round favorite for wine enthusiasts. This wine bridges the gap between reds and whites to offer a refreshing option for various occasions and different food pairings .

At Jackson Hole Marketplace, we stock a curated selection of rosé wines to suit every palate. Visit us at 4125 U.S. 89, Jackson, WY 83001, call (307) 200-6453, or email info@jhmarketplace.com for personalized recommendations.

What Defines a Rosé Wine?

Rosé wines are characterized by their pink hue, ranging from pale salmon to deep coral. This color comes from limited contact between grape skins and juice during production. Rosés typically offer light, fresh flavors with hints of red fruits, making them more refreshing than most red wines but more structured than whites.

Rose Wine Production Methods

Winemakers use three main methods to produce rosé wine:

Skin Contact: Red grapes are crushed and the skins remain in contact with the juice for a short period, usually 2-24 hours.
Saignée: During red wine production, some juice is "bled" off early in the process, creating a rosé as a byproduct.
Blending: A small amount of red wine is added to white wine. This method is less common and prohibited in some regions.

Rose Wine Varieties

Popular Grape Varieties for Rosé

Grenache: Produces pale, dry rosés with strawberry and citrus notes.
Syrah: Creates deeper colored rosés with bold red fruit flavors.
Mourvèdre: Offers savory notes and a salmon color.
Cinsault: Contributes to light, refreshing rosés with floral aromas.
Pinot Noir: Yields elegant rosés with red berry and earthy notes.

Regional Rose Wine Specialties

1. Provence
Provence has earned its reputation as the gold standard for rosé production, with a winemaking tradition dating back to ancient Greek settlers. The region's unique Mediterranean climate, characterized by abundant sunshine and cooling Mistral winds, creates perfect conditions for growing rosé-specific grapes. Provençal rosés are typically made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, resulting in wines that are pale in color but rich in subtle flavors.

2. Tavel
Tavel, a small appellation in the Rhône Valley, takes a different approach. Unlike most regions where rosé is one of many wine styles produced, Tavel exclusively produces rosé. These wines are known for their deeper color and fuller body, challenging the notion that all rosés must be pale and light. Tavel rosés often age well, developing complex flavors over time – a rare quality in rosé wines.

3. Spanish Rosados
Spanish Rosados, particularly those from Navarra and Rioja, offer excellent value and quality. While Garnacha (Grenache) is the primary grape, many producers experiment with Tempranillo and international varieties. These wines often show more intense fruit character and greater structure than their Provençal counterparts, making them excellent food wines.

4. Italian Rosatos
Italian Rosatos demonstrate the country's diverse winemaking traditions. In Abruzzo, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo made from Montepulciano grapes produces deeply colored, cherry-scented rosés. Meanwhile, in northern Italy, lighter styles made from Pinot Grigio or Corvina offer delicate, mineral-driven alternatives.

Our Top Rosé Wine Picks

1. Angels & Cowboys Rosé

Tasting notes: Fresh strawberry, white peach, and citrus with crisp minerality
Best for: Casual gatherings and Mediterranean cuisine

2. Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé

Tasting notes: Elegant blend of fresh red berries, peach, and subtle herbal notes
Best for: Special occasions and refined dining

3. 90+ Cellars Lot 197 Prosecco Rosé

Tasting notes: Lively bubbles with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, and fresh citrus
Best for: Celebrations and aperitifs

Tasting and Appreciating Rose Wine

Rosé Wine Aroma and Flavor Notes

Rosé wines offer a diverse flavor profile, including:

Red fruits: Strawberry, raspberry, cherry
Citrus: Grapefruit, mandarin orange
Floral: Rose petal, jasmine
Herbs: Thyme, lavender
Mineral: Stony or saline qualities

The flavor intensity varies based on grape variety and production method. Lighter rosés often feature delicate watermelon and strawberry notes, while bolder styles may show ripe cherry and spice.

Rosé Wine Serving Temperature and Glassware

Temperature has a huge impact on rosé's flavor profile. For optimal enjoyment:

Serve at 50-60°F (10-15°C)
Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving
Avoid over-chilling, which can mute flavors

Choose your glassware based on the rosé style:

White wine glasses for lighter rosés
Red wine glasses for fuller-bodied styles
Always use stemmed glasses to maintain temperature

Food Pairings with Rosé Wine

Rosé's versatility makes it an excellent food wine. Its crisp acidity and fruit-forward profile complement a wide range of cuisines.

Rosé Wine Classic Food Pairings

Mediterranean dishes pair beautifully with rosé. You can enjoy a glass of pale Provençal rosé alongside grilled vegetables and light pasta. The wine's refreshing character cuts through rich olive oil while enhancing herbal notes.

Seafood and rosé form another perfect match. Try these combinations:

Oysters with a crisp, mineral-driven rosé
Grilled fish paired with a light, citrusy rosé
Garlic shrimp or lobster risotto matched with a fuller-bodied rosé

Unexpected Food Pairings With Rosé Wine

Spicy Thai or Mexican dishes: Rosé's coolness balances heat
Barbecue: Light tannins and fruit flavors complement smoky, grilled meats
Sushi: Dry rosés enhance fresh fish flavors
Cheese board: Pairs well with goat cheese, feta, and mozzarella

Rosé Fizzy Wine

Sparkling Rosé production involves two main methods:

1. Traditional Method:

Used in Champagne and high-quality sparkling wines
Secondary fermentation in the bottle
Results in fine bubbles and complex flavors

2. Charmat Method:

Used for Prosecco and many New World sparkling wines
Secondary fermentation in large tanks
Produces fresh, fruity characteristics

Rosé Wine Popular Styles

Sparkling rosé comes in various styles, each with unique characteristics:

Champagne Rosé: Elegant and complex, with red fruit and brioche notes
Crémant Rosé: French sparkling wines from outside Champagne, offering value and variety
Prosecco Rosé: Light, fruity, and aromatic, perfect for aperitifs
Cava Rosé: Spanish sparkling wine with crisp acidity and earthy undertones

New World producers from California to Australia are creating diverse styles. They often emphasize ripe fruit flavors.

Rosé Wine in the Modern Market

The rise of rosé in the global wine market is nothing short of phenomenal. Once relegated to summer sipping, it's now a year-round favorite.

Rosé Global Popularity Trends

Global consumption increased by over 40% since 2002
France remains the largest producer, consumer, and exporter
The United States is now the second-largest rosé consumer globally

Innovations in Rosé Production

Winemakers are exploring new techniques and styles:

Organic and Biodynamic Rosés: Meeting demand for sustainable wines
Single-Vineyard Rosés: Highlighting terroir-driven characteristics
Oak-Aged Rosés: Adding complexity and texture
Alternative Packaging: Canned and boxed rosés gaining popularity

The "rosé lifestyle" has expanded beyond wine and is influencing other beverage categories like rosé gin and rosé cider. These innovations are broadening rosé's appeal and solidifying its place as a diverse, year-round wine category.

Pick Up a Bottle of Rosé Wine Today

From crisp Provençal styles to sparkling varieties, rosé continues to evolve and delight wine lovers year-round. At Jackson Hole Marketplace, we're passionate about helping our customers find their perfect rosé match.

Visit our wine experts at 4125 U.S. 89, Jackson, WY 83001 to explore our carefully curated selection of rosés. We offer personalized recommendations based on your taste preferences and intended occasion. For more information or to inquire about specific wines, call us at (307) 200-6453 or email info@jhmarketplace.com. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you discover your next favorite rosé wine in Jackson Hole.