Wine School
What is Rosé Wine and What Makes It So Irresistible
The world of rosé wine is an ever-evolving canvas of colors, aromas, and flavors – learn more about how it's made and what's special about the rosé wines in Maker's lineup.
By Maker Wine
August 24, 2023
At Maker Wine, we’re passionate about bringing wine lovers premium wine, in a sleek convenient can. From whites to reds, there’s a wine for every wine person in our lineup.
Today, we want to talk about the wines in between white and red – our beloved rosé wines. This enchanting (cue, Taylor’s Version) category has gained immense popularity for its versatility, refreshing taste, and straight-up quaffable nature.
Before we get into our two rosé options – a rare Rosé of Grenache from Ser Winery and Sparkling Rosé from Bodkin Wines – let’s get into what makes rosé wine, well, rosé, and how it’s made.
What makes rosé so alluring?
Rosé wine, with its delicate hue and elegant presence, is more than just a beverage; it's an embodiment of the joy of life. It's the kind of wine that whispers of long summer evenings, al fresco gatherings, and shared laughter. But what exactly is rosé wine, and how is it distinct from its red and white counterparts? Well, you’re about to find out.
How is rosé wine made?
Rosé wine is created through a process that marries the techniques of both red and white winemaking. The key lies in the skins of the grapes. When red grapes are harvested, their skins are left in contact with the juice for a specific duration, usually a few hours. This contact imparts the wine with its signature pink hue, ranging from pale salmon to vibrant coral (kind of similar to how orange wine) is made.
Unlike red wines, where the skins remain in contact with the juice throughout fermentation, rosé wines have a shorter maceration period. This limited exposure results in the lighter color and a more delicate flavor profile. It's this gentle touch that gives rosé wines their unmistakable character and makes them an ideal companion for a wide array of occasions.
What’s the difference between rosé and orange wine?
When it comes to grapes, orange wine is made with white wine grapes and rosé is made with red wine grapes. These days, with more experimental winemaking processes, these lines can get a bit blurry – blurry, but exciting.
Shop our Orange Vermentino
Orange Wine (Skin-Contact Vermentino)
Terah Wine Co., Lodi, CA
Thyme, lemongrass, citrus, and Pacific Ocean minerality – a very refreshing orange wine.
Spectrum of sweetness: Debunking rosé misconceptions
One of the most common misconceptions about rosé wine is that it's always sweet. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. The sweetness level of a rosé wine can vary significantly, from bone dry to slightly sweet. The sweetness depends on the grape variety used, the winemaking techniques, and the residual sugar content. So, whether you prefer a crisp, dry wine that dances on your palate or a hint of sweetness that lingers, there's a rosé wine that suits your taste.
Both of Maker’s rosé wines – still and sparkling – have 0g of sugar per glass. They are fermented to dry – in fact, our full lineup is fermented to dry.
Exploring dry rosé wines: A crisp adventure
For those who appreciate the charm of a dry wine, the world of rosé offers a multitude of options. Dry rosé wines boast a refreshing acidity and a clean, crisp finish that makes them incredibly food-friendly. These wines are versatile companions for an array of dishes, from light salads to seafood delights. Some of the most popular dry rosé wines come from regions like Provence in France, where the delicate balance of fruitiness and acidity is celebrated.
If you’re sipping on Maker rosé, we have some pairing reccomendations for you:
Our Rosé of Grenache is very, very BBQ ready. We love bringing a 6-pack along when grilled chicken or veggies are on the menu.
Sparkling Rosé is one of the most versatile pairing wines we have in the lineup. It’s also great with BBQ foods, but don’t count it out for creamy Chevre or Brie, brunch foods, or herby veggie dip.
Nicole Walsh uses biodynamic and organic farming practices at her winery, Ser
What grapes are used to maker rosé wine?
Just as each melody is distinct, every grape variety adds its own unique note to the symphony of rosé wines. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault are among the primary red grape varieties used in crafting rosé wines. Each of these grapes brings its own personality to the blend, resulting in a rich tapestry of flavors and aromas.
Our Rosé of Grenache is, well, made with 100% Grenache grapes grown in sunny, Monterey, California. The winemaker, Nicole Walsh, gravitated towards Grenache because of it's cool-climate growing conditions, leading to incredible aromas and flavors creating a beautiful, bright Rosé with natural acidity and a creamy mid palate and nice length.
Maker's Sparkling Rosé by Chris Christensen is made with 100% Zinfandel grapes. The wine has notes of strawberries, raspberries, and black cherry and is a totally bone dry, lightly bubbly rosé with zero added sugar. When you crack the can, you're hit with the most incredible aromatics and after the first sip, you'll be totally hooked.
Meet Maker’s Sparkling Rosé
By now you know a lot about Maker’s rosé lineup, but here’s a deeper dive into what makes these wines best sellers year after year.
First up, our Sparkling Rosé – its effervescent elegance canned. With every sip, you're transported to a world of celebration and merriment – which we could also say for every Zoom call we have with it’s winemaker, Chris. The wine itself is crafted with meticulous care, delivering notes of red berries and a hint of citrus, all embraced by a fine and persistent effervescence.
Shop Sparkling Rosé
Sparkling Rosé Wine
Bodkin Wines, North Coast, CA
Fresh berries and citrus blossoms; a bone dry, lightly bubbly Rosé that's happiness in a can.
Meet Maker’s Rosé of Grenache
For those who seek serenity in every sip, our Maker Wine Rosé of Grenache is a poetic masterpiece. This wine, born from the soul of Grenache grapes, captures the essence of balance and grace. With a mesmerizing pale pink color, it unfolds on the palate with layers of fresh strawberries, delicate florals, and a touch of minerality. This rosé is a reflection of where it came from and the woman who made it.
Shop Rosé of Grenache
Rosé Wine
Ser Winery, Monterey, CA
Rhubarb, guava, strawberries-and-cream - a very special single-vineyard Rosé of Grenache.
The world of rosé wine is an ever-evolving canvas of colors, aromas, and flavors. From the delicate ballet of winemaking techniques to the diverse array of grape varieties, each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and passion.
Whether you're savoring the effervescence of Maker’s Sparkling Rosé or relishing the tranquility of our Rosé of Grenache, each sip is an invitation to celebrate life's moments, big and small.
