How is rosé made? Not a blend of white and red wine
Rosé is not a blend of white and red wine; it is made from blue grapes. The pale pink or salmon shade comes from the crushed or pressed grapes being in contact with the skins for only a short time. How long that lasts determines the colour and the intensity of the aromas.
So the colour does not come from blending, but depends on the length of skin contact.
The three main methods
- Direct pressing: a pale, delicate style.
- Short skin maceration: stronger colour, more fruity flavour.
- Saignée (bleeding off): a darker, fuller rosé, as a “by-product” of red wine.
Is it allowed to blend white and red wine?
In the European Union, still rosé generally may not be made by blending white and red wine. The exception is rosé sparkling wines (for example rosé Champagne), where adding red wine is permitted and common.
