Roses

Rosé wines are produced in two ways: first, from red grape varieties that have undergone a brief maceration with the skins and seeds (which minimizes the release of color and tannins); then, the winemaking process continues using the method defined as “white.” The second production method uses both white and red grape varieties. The intensity of the color in rosé wines— as well as the other sensory characteristics of these wines—is determined primarily by the length of time the must is in contact with the skins. On the nose, they express notes of red flowers. During tasting, the tannins are present but significantly less pronounced;rosé wines are more full-bodied than red wines and generally have a lighter structure. Some rosé wines, especially the more extract-rich southern wines, undergo brief aging in wooden barrels, sometimes with surprising results.