Rosé Wine – The Great Guide 2025: Production, Styles & Serving Tips

From summer wine to a year-round favourite

Rosé was often underestimated in the past - today it is one of the most popular wines of all. Highest ratings, increasing demand and exciting new styles show: Rosé is no longer a by-product, but a category in its own right. Whether light rosé for barbecues, elegant rosé from Provence or sparkling rosé wine - there is a suitable wine for every occasion.

What is rosé actually?

Rosé wine is produced from red grapes, but it is processed like white wine. This involves a brief contact period between the juice and grape skins before pressing. As a result, the juice gains some colour from the skins but retains minimal tannin. The outcome is a typical fresh style of rosé, characterised by its delicate colour and a harmonious blend of fruity flavours.

How rosé is made - the three methods

• Direct pressing: The red grapes are pressed immediately. This produces light-coloured, delicate rosés with fresh acidity - typical of Provence.
• Short maceration: The must remains on the skins for a few hours. This produces more intense colours and a little more structure - popular in Austria and Germany.
• Saignée method: Part of the juice is extracted from the red wine mash ("bleeding"). This produces strong, aromatic rosés with more depth.

Myth: Rosé is a blend of red and white?

No, at least not for still wines. Rosé is produced through short fermentation with the skins, rather than by blending finished wines. The only exception is for rosé Champagne, where blending red and white wine is traditionally permitted.

Colour, aroma & taste - rosé is so diverse

• Colour: from delicate salmon pink to intense copper, depending on the grape and technique used.
• Nose: strawberries, raspberries, citrus, herbs and sometimes floral notes.
• Palate: fresh, juicy, with a fine grip and stimulating acidity.

The most important regions & grape varieties

France is the birthplace of modern rosé, particularly in Provence. This region produces elegant, light-coloured wines with a delicate spiciness and remarkable drinking pleasure. In our selection of French rosé, you will find the finest examples of this style.

Rosé has also long been established in Austria. Varieties such as Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch or Pinot Noir provide fruity, fresh and yet independent variants. There are also exciting rosatos from Italy and rosados from Spain - sometimes light, sometimes intense, but always versatile.

Food pairing - the all-rounder in a glass

Rosé pairs with almost everything! From the terrace to the table, from picnics to BBQs. Its balance of freshness and fruit makes it extremely versatile.

• Light rosés: ideal with salads, antipasti, seafood and summer vegetables.
• Medium-bodied rosés: perfect with pasta, pizza, grilled chicken or tuna.
• Intense saignée rosés: great with steak, lamb or savoury cheese.
• Rosés matured in wooden barrels: a small yet fine category that is becoming increasingly popular. Ageing in barriques or large wooden barrels gives them structure, flavour and depth. They are almost reminiscent of elegant, light red wines and are fantastic accompaniments to steak, lamb or savoury grilled dishes.

Serving temperature & glass choices

Light rosés taste best at around 8-10 °C, more intense ones at 10-12 °C. It is best to use a larger white wine glass - this will bring out the flavours and structure perfectly.

Rosé sparkling wine - sparkling, elegant & trendy

Rosé also shows its best side as a sparkling variety. Rosé sparkling wines such as Prosecco Rosé, Crémant or Champagne Rosé combine freshness, fruit and elegance - and simply put you in a good mood.

Rosé trend 2025 - from lifestyle to statement

Rosé is now enjoyed year-round. An increasing number of winemakers are crafting high-quality cuvées that exhibit sophistication and depth. Whether elegant from Provence, mineral-based from Austria, or fruity from Italy, rosé is here to stay.

Conclusion

Today, rosé symbolises lightness, joy, and diversity. It fits any occasion, surprises with its style and depth, and brings a touch of sunshine to the glass, no matter the season. At 9wines, we believe that rosé represents the essence of uncomplicated enjoyment with sophistication.

Discover our rosé wines now or try the best rosé from France - from Provence classics to modern Austrian varieties. For fans of fine bubbles: Discover rosé sparkling wines here.

Frequently asked questions about rosé wine

Is rosé sweet or dry?

Most rosé wines are dry. Pay attention to the information on the label - sweet varieties are the exception rather than the rule.

How is rosé made?

From red grapes, but with a short time on the skins. This gives it colour, but keeps it light and fresh.

Can one drink rosé all year round?

Rosé is no longer just a summer wine; it also pairs well with more full-bodied dishes and can be enjoyable even in the winter.

Which grape varieties are particularly suitable?

Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Tempranillo or Sangiovese - depending on the region and style.