Perth Royal Show Wine Awards- Bronze Medal

How is a Rosé produced?

Rosé wine is crafted through a meticulous process that captures the essence of the grape while achieving a refreshing style. The Volo Geographe Dry Rosé 2022, made from Shiraz grapes, is a prime example of how thoughtful winemaking can yield a vibrant and elegant wine. Most of the time a Rose is made from a red wine grape, but occasionally athe juice from a white wine might be blended in a small amount.

The journey begins in the vineyard, where the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. For the 2022 vintage, the growing season was marked by a cool, wet spring, which initially slowed vine development. However, the subsequent hot and dry summer conditions encouraged rapid ripening. This combination led to lower yields but ultimately produced grapes with concentrated flavours and a delicate balance.

Once harvested, the grapes undergo a process called “saignée,” where a portion of the juice is drawn off from the crushed grapes after brief skin contact. This method allows for a controlled extraction of colour and flavour. Typically, the skins are left in contact with the juice for just a few hours, which imparts a beautiful hue without the intensity found in red wines.

After this initial maceration, the juice is separated and moved to fermentation tanks. Fermentation for rosé often occurs at cooler temperatures to preserve the wine’s fresh fruit characteristics. During this time, aromatic compounds develop, resulting in a fragrant bouquet that may include notes of tropical fruits, berries, and floral hints.

Following fermentation, the wine is clarified and may undergo minimal oak aging, depending on the desired style. This step can add complexity and a subtle creaminess to the texture. The Volo rosé, for instance, strikes a harmonious balance between lively acidity and soft tannins, making it versatile for food pairings or casual sipping.

While Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice for crafting rosé, other red wine grape varieties can also create unique and flavourful expressions. For example, Grenache is known for its bright red fruit characteristics, often contributing flavours of strawberries and raspberries, along with a touch of spice. Pinot Noir, with its elegant profile, brings delicate notes of cherry, rose petal, and earthy undertones, adding complexity and finesse to the blend. Tempranillo can introduce rich plum and berry flavours, with hints of leather and tobacco, while Mourvèdre often adds depth with its dark fruit notes and gamey nuances.

Interestingly, the addition of a small amount of white wine can also enhance a rosé’s profile. Varietals like Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc can infuse floral aromas and citrus zest, adding freshness and brightness to the final product. This blend can create a more aromatic wine, enhancing the overall complexity while maintaining the crispness that rosé is known for. The interplay between red and white grapes allows winemakers to experiment with diverse flavour combinations, ultimately leading to a more expressive and layered rosé.

Overall, the process of making rosé wine is an art form that blends technique with the unique attributes of the grape and the terroir, resulting in a wine that is both enjoyable and expressive.