Rosé wine and its grape varieties: Discovering the treasures of Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin rosé et ses cépages Château la Sauvageonne

The rosé wines of Languedoc-Roussillon , once unknown, have emerged as wine treasures, rivaling the greatest. Thanks to a judicious combination of grape varieties and winemaking methods, Languedoc offers rosé wines that seduce palates around the world. Between fields of white flowers, bouquets of roses and vineyards as far as the eye can see, let's discover the world of the region's main grape varieties .

The color of rosé wine

A subtle marriage between white and red, rosé gets its unique color from a shorter maturation than red wine. Skin maceration and malolactic fermentation give it an authentic color, ranging from very pale pink to grapefruit pink .

Rosé wine grape varieties

Grenache

The Grenache grape variety is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the South of France. It contributes to the alcohol, sweetness and roundness of wines. Rosé wines made with this grape variety reveal aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry and strawberry. It can also bring notes of licorice and stone fruits.

CINSAULT

Coming from Languedoc and Southern Rhône, Cinsault offers rosé wines rich in floral flavors and summer berries. It is a grape variety of southern origin, known for its great adaptability to warm climates. It contributes to the freshness and lightness of the wines. Its subtle aromas lean towards raspberry, giving it a silky texture and moderate acidity.

MOURVEDRE

Mourvèdre is a Mediterranean grape variety that prefers warm climates . It brings depth and complexity to rosé wines with flavors of dark fruits, plum and spices. It can also have notes of Mediterranean garrigue.

SYRAH

Originating from the Rhone Valley, Syrah brings elegance and structure to Languedoc rosé wines . Also known as Shiraz in other regions, it offers flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and black cherry and sometimes even peppery notes.

Regarding the blending of rosé wines , in Languedoc they are mainly composed of these grape varieties. A common blend might include Grenache noir for sweetness, Cinsault for freshness, Syrah for structure and Mourvèdre for depth. These combinations make for balanced wines with a diverse aromatic palette. The art of blending lies in the winemaker's ability to balance these grape varieties to create a harmonious rosé wine that represents the terroir of Languedoc.

the secrets of rosé

Les secrets du rosé

The production of rosé wine

Rosé wine is made using several methods, including saignée, direct pressing, and short maceration. Saignée involves removing some of the grape juice during fermentation, while direct pressing extracts the juice immediately after the grapes are crushed. Short maceration involves limited contact between the must and the skins, giving the wine its characteristic pink color .

Languedoc-Roussillon: the rosé region

The South of France, particularly Languedoc-Roussillon, is a haven for rosé lovers. From IGP to AOC to AOP , the French Mediterranean coast produces an endless variety of appellations. The region favors organic viticulture and winemaking , taking advantage of the idyllic climate, limestone soils and typical vegetation. France leads the world in rosé wine production with over 6.4 million hectoliters , followed by the United States and Spain.

Rosé wine , a symbol of conviviality and sharing, is the ideal companion for festive moments. The rosé wines of Languedoc-Roussillon , rich in complexity and fruity flavors, now rival the most renowned of Provence. Their rise in quality is a testament to the expertise of winemakers and their attachment to an exceptional Mediterranean terroir . Tasting a rosé wine from Languedoc is a dive into the heart of the sunny terroirs and wine traditions of this magnificent region.

Explore the vineyards of Languedoc , taste the captivating notes of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah and let yourself be carried away by the magic of our wines which embody the Mediterranean art of living .

To find out more about our rosé wine :

Best rosé wine , good rosé wine , rosé wine , organic rosé wine

Learn more about how our wines are made :

Production of our rosé wines , production of orange wine

Discover the Gérard Bertrand estates :

Its wine châteaux of Languedoc-Roussillon

His expertise in the design of biodynamic wines