Did you know that rosé wines are among the most consumed worldwide? Every year, their sales grow in international markets, but in Spain, they have yet to fully convince consumers. We analyze some of the main misconceptions that seem to hinder the enjoyment of these great wines in our country and encourage you to break the barriers and start exploring them.
Rosé wines are made from red grapes, just like red wines. The difference lies in the maceration time, during which the grape skins are in contact with the must. This can range from an hour for pale rosé wines, like Blush, to 24-48 hours for deeper pink rosés. If we talk about clarets, which are not the same as rosés, then we refer to traditional winemaking methods where red and white grapes were pressed together in the same vat, fermenting with the skins. The high proportion of white grapes resulted in pale red wines with lower color intensity.
This widespread misconception may stem from the previous myth. The truth is quite the opposite for two main reasons. First, wineries select high-quality grapes for rosé wine production, with the same enological parameters as those used for aging wines. Second, the winemaking process itself is one of the most delicate and meticulous during the harvest season. Many winemakers openly admit how challenging it is to produce rosé wines, but the results are so impressive that they not only continue to believe in them but also experiment with bolder winemaking techniques year after year.
We must admit that wineries have contributed to this stereotype. Marketing strategies have often dressed these wines in curvy bottles with feminine imagery, likely aiming to attract female consumers. The color of rosé wines—whether pale pink, candy apple red, or even onion skin or salmon shades—has traditionally been associated with female preferences rather than male ones. However, appearances can be deceiving. These delicate-looking wines can be surprisingly bold on the palate, almost resembling reds. If they have also been aged in barrels, their complexity and depth make them appealing not only to rosé lovers but also to those initially reluctant to try them.
Let’s be honest: we are more likely to order rosé wines in summer when the heat invites us to drink something chilled. And many people assume that the colder, the better. However, serving temperature significantly affects how we perceive a wine. The colder it is, the fewer flavors and aromas we will detect, making the wine seem bland. The ideal temperature for rosé wines is between 10-12°C (50-54°F), and they pair beautifully with rice dishes (including traditional Japanese sushi), Thai-style pasta, foie-based dishes, baked fish, nuts, and even roast meats—dishes we enjoy throughout the year, not just in summer.
We won’t deny that French rosés, especially those from Provence, are world-renowned. Their carefully crafted branding and signature salmon-pink hues have captivated many wine lovers. Their success has also helped popularize rosé wines worldwide, encouraging consumers to try less conventional styles made from unique grape varieties. However, Spain has been producing high-quality rosés for years. Ribera del Duero, Navarra, and Cigales are among the most recognized regions, but exceptional rosé wines can also be found in Valencia, Penedés, and even Extremadura.
As we’ve already hinted, rosé wines come in a variety of colors, but that’s just the beginning. Different regions and grape varieties contribute to an even wider spectrum of flavors and styles. Rosés made from Tempranillo tend to be fruity, intense, and aromatic; Garnacha-based rosés are lighter, fresher, and softer; while Merlot rosés are rich, smooth, and incredibly indulgent. And that’s just the beginning—imagine the possibilities when these varieties are blended or aged in barrels! If you haven’t explored rosé wines yet, now is the time. There’s bound to be one that suits your taste.
Rosé wines are crafted with the same care and dedication as reds and whites—if not more. They are not second-tier wines just because of their color. In fact, they bring unique aromas and flavors to the wine world, offering a fresh perspective on grape varieties. Like red wines, you can choose from a wide range of appellations, grape varieties, winemaking styles, and producers. Spain offers some incredible rosé wines at very reasonable prices, and there’s a perfect one out there for everyone.
All you have to do is forget the myths, pick up a bottle, chill it, invite some friends, and let yourself be surprised by the experience. You might just discover a whole new way to appreciate wine and a world of exciting new flavors waiting to be explored.
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Carretera CL-619 km 66.1 Gumielde Mercado (Burgos) Espana
Carretera CL-619 km 64 Gumielde Mercado (Burgos) Espana
