Pour yourself a cup for this one: Rosé isn’t just a summer sipper—it’s a category in full bloom. At Wine Paris, a masterclass on rosé revealed how this pink-hued wine defies stereotypes, showcasing a spectrum of styles, terroirs, and techniques that elevate it far beyond beachside frivolity. Ben Bernheim’s session wasn’t about debunking myths—it was about celebrating the category’s evolving identity. When he challenged the audience to define rosé, the lack of consensus underscored a simple truth: this wine is as complex as it is colorful.
The masterclass peeled back layers of the rosé family, starting with Domaine Royal de Jarras’ Pink Flamingo, a vin gris made from Grenache Gris grapes. Its pale hue and mineral-driven profile hinted at the category’s depth, while its ungrafted vines in Camargue’s phylloxera-free terroir highlighted how geography shapes character. Provence, of course, remains a powerhouse, but the session revealed its nuance. Domaine de l’Amaurigue’s blend of Grenache Noir and Cinsault—60% and 40% respectively—demonstrated how balance and climate resilience (Grenache’s heat tolerance) define the region’s premium rosés. Even Maison Mirabeau’s Pure Rosé, with its blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, proved that sustainability and complexity can coexist.
Spain’s Pata Negra Ribera del Duero Rosado shattered the notion that rosé must be light. Made from Tempranillo with extended skin contact, it’s a fuller-bodied, tannic wine that defies the “pink wine” label. Meanwhile, England’s Balfour Nannette’s Rosé, crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, brought a crisp, acidic profile that felt refreshingly different. These examples underscored a broader trend: rosé is no longer confined to casual sipping.
Key Points: Rosé is a diverse category with no single definition—its character is shaped by terroir, technique, and grape varieties. Sustainability is increasingly central, from regenerative viticulture in Provence to eco-conscious practices in Spain and England. Rosé can be serious wine, with structure, depth, and food-friendliness that rival reds and whites.
So, is rosé just a summer fling—or a category worthy of deeper exploration.
So, is rosé just a summer fling—or a category worthy of deeper exploration?
Questions & Answers
What’s the difference between rosé and white wine?
Rosé is made from red grapes with short skin contact, giving it a pink hue. White wine is made from white grapes with no skin contact. Rosé is lighter and fruitier, while white varies in style and body.
How is rosé made?
Rosé is made by briefly macerating red grape skins with juice, then pressing to extract color. This process gives it a pink hue without full red wine tannins. It’s often aged briefly before bottling.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
