When it comes to rosé wineWhen we think of rosé wine, the images that spring to mind are often those of sunny days, glasses shared with friends, and summer. France, and Provence in particular, is renowned for its rosé wine production, but other French regions also play an essential role in the influence of this emblematic wine color.
The Unrivalled Charm of Rosé Wine in France
The market for rosé wine is expanding worldwide. Between 2002 and 2018, worldwide consumption climbed by 40 % despite the fact that in 2020/21, certainly due to the health crisis, FranceAgriMer and the Conseil interprofessionnel des vins de Provence (CIVP) are announcing a slowdown in rosé wine consumption growth in 2020/21, but resistance and even development in certain markets. This trend is driven in particular by rosé wine consumption and production in France.
The French account for 34 %* of the world's rosé wine consumption, or one bottle in three. Provence, an emblematic region, has inspired many consumers across the globe, particularly Americans, who rank second worldwide in terms of rosé wine consumption.
In terms of production, France leads a trio of producer countries. Along with the United States and Spain, it accounted for 64 %* of global rosé wine production in 2018, recording a significant increase of 31 %* on the previous year. The world of rosé wine is changing fast.
Rosé Varieties with Multiple Colors
While Provence takes pride of place, every wine-growing region of France contributes to the production of rosé wine. The key to creating rosé lies in the red grape varieties. Techniques vary from direct pressing, to brief maceration, to "bleeding" at the start of maceration in a red wine barrel.
This diversity gives rise to a multitude of rosé wines with unique characteristics, reflecting the know-how, climates, grape varieties and terroirs of each region. It's important to note that the European Union does not allow the blending of white and red wines to make rosé wine.
Rosés from Provence and the South
The famous Provence rosés dominate the region with 80 % of total production. Around 40 % of France's AOC rosé wine production comes from Provence. Vineyards benefit from the Mediterranean climate to produce complex, elegant rosé wines, mainly from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tibouren are also grown here.
The neighboring regions also produce rosés with similar grape varieties (with the exception of Tibouren), as well as local grape varieties specific to each terroir. In the southern Rhône Valley, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah give rise to great rosé wines, notably in Tavel.
Corsica and Languedoc-Roussillon (particularly the Roussillon region) also contribute to rosé wine production.
Rosé des Riceys and North-East Rosés
North of Provence, the dominant grape variety is Pinot Noir, found in Burgundy, Champagne and Alsace. The rosé des Riceys is a flagship appellation for this type of rosé wine, originating in Champagne. Pinot Noir allows longer maceration than southern grape varieties, resulting in delicate, fruity rosés.
In Burgundy, Alsace, Jura, Champagne and Beaujolais, rosé wines are made from Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes, creating light, lively wines.
Rosés de l'Ouest, a new land of rosé
Historically rosés French rosé wines come more from eastern France. However, production is increasing in regions such as Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, offering new and diversified rosé wine profiles.
In Bordeaux and the Southwest, grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc produce round, aromatic, structured and fleshy rosés.
In the western part of the Loire Valley, local grape varieties such as Pineau d'Aunis and Grolleau Noir or Gris give rise to round, full-bodied rosés. Gamay and Pinot Noir are also present, notably in regions such as Sancerre, Reuilly and Menetou-salon.
The world of rosé wine is as rich and diverse as that of red wine. Each region brings its own typicity and know-how, offering a vast choice of rosés to satisfy every wine lover.
France is one of the world's rosé-producing regionsA wide range of colors, aromas and flavors to delight tasters the world over.