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

The rosé wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, once overlooked, have emerged as viticultural treasures, rivalling the greatest. Thanks to a judicious combination of grape varieties and winemaking methods, the Languedoc offers rosé wines that captivate palates the world over. Between fields of white flowers, bouquets of roses and vineyards as far as the eye can see, let us discover the world of the main grape varieties of the region.

The colour of rosé wine

A subtle marriage between white and red, rosé owes its unique colour to a shorter maceration than red wine. Skin-contact maceration and malolactic fermentation give it an authentic hue, ranging from very pale pink to grapefruit pink.

The grape varieties of rosé wine

Grenache

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

CINSAULT

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

MOURVÈDRE

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

SYRAH

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

Regarding the blending of rosé wines, in the Languedoc they are principally composed of these grape varieties. A typical blend might include Grenache noir for sweetness, Cinsault for freshness, Syrah for structure and Mourvèdre for depth. These combinations produce well-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 Languedoc terroir

the secrets of rosé