Rosé wine from Europe at Ritschard Weine
Rosé wines from Europe are becoming increasingly popular and offer an impressive variety of aromas and styles. In this article, you will learn which European countries produce the best rosé wines and what makes their wines unique. Discover the highlights of European rosé wines and be inspired.
Rosé wines: an emerging trend
Rosé wines are enjoying steadily growing popularity among both women and men. Younger consumers in particular appreciate the versatility and light, fruity aromas of rosé wines, which make them an ideal choice for a wide variety of occasions. The days when rosé wines were considered less serious wines are over. Today, they are recognised and appreciated as a category in their own right.
The diversity of European rosé wines
The diversity of European rosé wines is impressive. Each rosé wine has its own character and charm, which is shaped by the different regions and grape varieties. Contrary to popular belief, rosé wine is not made by mixing red and white wine, but through special production methods such as maceration or direct pressing. These methods allow winemakers to extract the unique aromas and colours of the grapes, creating a wide range of flavour profiles.
Rosé wines from Switzerland
Switzerland may be a small wine-producing country, but it also produces excellent rosé wines. The Valais region in particular, with winemakers such as Adrian & Diego Mathier from Salgesch, is known for its high-quality rosé wines. The Ticino region also produces remarkable rosé wines that impress with their quality and unique taste.
Rosé wines from France
France is undoubtedly home to some of the best rosé wines in the world. Provence is the world's leading region for the production of rosé wines, which are known for their fresh and fruity aromas. Wines from Provence are often characterised by notes of strawberries and citrus fruits, making them ideal summer wines. However, other regions such as Tavel and Lirac are also famous for their high-quality rosé wines. These wines often have complex aromas and a deeper colour that distinguish them from other rosé wines.
Italy's rosé wines
Italy has a long tradition of producing rosé wines, which are characterised by their fruity and floral notes. Regions such as Valtènesi are known for their high-quality rosé wines, which account for around 10 per cent of national production. These wines are often made from grapes such as Sangiovese and Primitivo, which give them their characteristic flavour. Particularly noteworthy is Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, which captivates with its intense colour and fruity flavours. Aromas of fresh red fruits such as strawberry and cherry make this rosé wine a real treat, while a hint of Trebbiano adds complexity.
Spanish rosé wines
Spanish rosé wines have gained considerable popularity in recent years. The most commonly used grapes for producing rosé wines are Tempranillo and Garnacha, which give the wines their typical aromas. These grapes contribute to the unique flavour profiles of Spanish rosé wines, which often offer a balanced blend of freshness and fruitiness. The Rioja and Basque Country regions are particularly well known for their high-quality rosé wines. The grapes grown here give the wines their characteristic aromas and high quality.
Rosé wines from Germany
Although Germany is primarily known for its white wines, the quality of its rosé wines is also steadily improving. The Palatinate, Rheinhessen and Baden regions in particular have developed into important regions for rosé wine. There, winemakers use grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Dornfelder and Portugieser to produce elegant, often dry rosés that impress with their freshness and subtle berry notes.
German rosé wines are often delicate salmon pink in colour and characterised by a fine fruit acidity and a clear structure. These characteristics make them ideal wines for aperitifs or as accompaniments to summer dishes. The Knipser winery is particularly noteworthy here, as it produces rosé wines of high quality and remarkable aroma.
Top recommendations for rosé wines
When it comes to the best rosé wines, there are a few recommendations you should definitely try. In France, the sweet Rosé d'Anjou and Cabernet d'Anjou are particularly successful and offer a unique taste experience. Popular regions for rosé wines are southern France, Tavel, Lirac and Provence, which are known for their high-quality wines. Another highlight is the rosé wine from Fattoria di San Gregorio, which is made from 100 percent Aglianico grapes and aged for four months in stainless steel. This wine captivates with its elegance and complex flavour, making it a favourite among rosé wines. For lovers of lighter wines, the Hiruzta Txakoli Rosé is an excellent choice. This wine is produced using temperature-controlled fermentation and is lightly clarified and bottled, which gives it its freshness and clarity. Rosé wines from Adrian & Diego Mathier in Salgesch in the Valais are also an excellent recommendation for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality Swiss rosé wines.
Colour variety, grape varieties and flavour profiles of European rosé wines
A key feature of rosé is its wide range of colours. The nuances range from pale rose grey to salmon pink and intense raspberry pink. The colour is determined by the length of contact between the must and the grape skins, with the grape variety also having a decisive influence.
Rosé wines from southern France often have a very light, almost silvery tone. Italian and Spanish varieties, on the other hand, often stand out for their more intense colours, which can be attributed to the grape varieties used, such as Grenache, Syrah or Tempranillo.
Grape varieties: diversity from tradition and innovation
The grape varieties used in rosé wines reflect the regional wine culture of Europe. In France, the combination of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault dominates, while in Italy varieties such as Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Zinfandel (Primitivo) are used. In Spain, Garnacha is complemented by Tempranillo, which gives the rosé depth and spice.
In Switzerland and Germany, Pinot varieties are increasingly being used, which produce particularly elegant rosés. The use of Chardonnay in cuvées adds finesse and freshness in some cases, such as sparkling wines with a rosé character.
Taste profiles: from tangy to complex
The range of aromas offered by European rosé wines is remarkable. Fresh berries such as strawberry, raspberry and red currant characterise many rosés. These are complemented by floral notes such as rose petals or hibiscus, citrus fruits, melon and herbs such as thyme and lavender, especially in southern French varieties.
Some rosés, especially those produced using the saignée method, have a more pronounced tannin structure and spicier notes. These wines are almost reminiscent of a light red wine and also go well with stronger dishes.
Wine and food: how to pair rosé correctly
Rosé wines for every occasion
Rosé wines are considered extremely versatile accompaniments to food. Their freshness and aroma make them a good match for many dishes, whether from Mediterranean cuisine, Asian fusion cuisine or classic barbecue fare.
A dry rosé from Provence is an excellent accompaniment to a fresh salmon fillet with lemon butter. Its citrus notes and subtle minerality highlight the flavour of the fish without overpowering it. A rosé based on Tempranillo, on the other hand, harmonises perfectly with grilled lamb skewers, as it emphasises the roasted aromas of the meat while providing freshness with its berry fruit.
Asian dishes, especially Thai curry or Vietnamese summer rolls, are best accompanied by a fruity rosé with a slight residual sweetness. It balances the spiciness and brings out the interplay of sweetness and umami.
Pizza with salsiccia or pasta with tomato sauce are also perfectly complemented by a stronger Italian rosé, such as Tenuta Ulisse.
A Zinfandel rosé, on the other hand, is ideal with spicy BBQ dishes thanks to its strong aromas, which can hold their own even alongside hot marinades.
Rosé wines as an aperitif
Rosé is also ideal as a starter for dinner or an aperitif with friends. A clear, tangy rosé – served well chilled in the right glass – exudes pure joie de vivre. Its bright colour creates a summer mood, while its fruity notes leave you wanting more.
Choosing the right glass: shape and function
A slightly bulbous glass that tapers slightly towards the top is recommended for rosé wines. This allows the aromas to develop fully without evaporating. A glass that is too large, such as those used for red wines, causes the wine to oxidise too quickly, while a classic white wine glass often fails to bring out the full aromas.
For sparkling rosé wines, a champagne glass with a narrow opening should be chosen to preserve the perlage.
Vintage and storage
As a general rule, the fresher the rosé wine, the better. The current vintage – for example, Rosé 2024 or soon 2025 – offers the best characteristics in terms of freshness, fruitiness and lightness. Only a few rosés benefit from longer ageing.
However, some high-quality varieties, especially those aged in barriques, can be stored for two to three years and gain complexity in the process. Such rosé wines can usually be identified by the information provided in the product description or by recommendations from wine critics such as Luca Maroni or Robert Parker.
Rosé wines and the art of vinification
Producing a high-quality rosé wine requires precise craftsmanship and a great deal of finesse. From harvesting the grapes to choosing the vinification method and carefully controlling the temperature during fermentation, every step determines the wine's final flavour profile.
The length of the maceration period in particular influences both the colour and the aromas. The shorter the contact between the must and the grape skins, the lighter and more delicate the wine will be. Winemakers in Provence often work with very short maceration times to achieve the typical pale rosé tones, while in Rioja or Valtènesi, longer contact times are common, resulting in more intensely coloured and aromatic rosés.
Temperature management: the key to freshness and aroma
Controlling the temperature is a crucial factor during fermentation. Cool fermentation between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius allows the fresh, fruity notes of the grapes to be preserved. This method is particularly preferred for direct pressing so as not to mask the delicate aromas.
Temperature management is also important with the saignée method, as these wines often have more structure and require a balanced relationship between fruit and body.
The saignée method: aromas with depth
The saignée method is particularly popular with top winemakers who want to produce a characterful rosé from high-quality red grapes. During red wine production, part of the must is drawn off and fermented separately to produce rosé wine.
This method produces rosé wines with a more pronounced structure, more intense colour and often more complex aromas. A well-known example of this style is the rosé wine from Domaine Lafage in southern France, which is regularly highlighted in reviews by Robert Parker and Luca Maroni.
Direct pressing: the gentle method
In contrast, direct pressing involves processing the grapes as gently as possible. This method produces lighter, brighter rosé wines with delicate fruit and fine acidity. These wines are particularly well suited as aperitifs or with light starters.
This method is standard in Provence and produces the typically elegant, pale pink rosés that are so highly prized around the world.
Single-vineyard rosé: expression of the terroir
More and more winemakers are turning to single-vineyard rosé wines in order to showcase the characteristics of a particular vineyard in their rosé ranges. These wines reflect the microclimate, soil and care of the vines – similar to high-quality red and white wines.
Domaine Lafage in southern France is a good example of this philosophy: the estate's rosé wines come from carefully selected plots that offer optimal conditions for Grenache and Syrah. The results are elegant, aromatically complex wines that are also highly regarded internationally.
Winemakers in focus: passion for rosé
Europe's rosé wines are characterised by the passion of their winemakers. Many of them are committed to freeing rosé from its former shadow existence and establishing it as a serious type of wine.
One example is the Mathier family from Valais, who use precise craftsmanship and modern cellar technology to create rosé wines with depth and expression. Tenuta Ulisse in Italy also proves with its rosé wines that careful cultivation and a consistent quality philosophy produce excellent results.
Sustainability and organic rosé wines
Sustainable viticulture is also playing an increasingly important role in the rosé wine sector. Many winemakers are turning to organic or biodynamic cultivation methods in order to protect the environment and produce authentic, natural wines.
Rosé wines from southern France, Italy and Switzerland, which are produced according to organic guidelines, are particularly impressive with their pure aromas and clear, unadulterated flavours.
Frequently asked questions about rosé wines from Europe
How exactly is rosé wine made?
Rosé wines are produced either by short maceration, the saignée method or direct pressing. The grape juice remains in contact with the skins for only a short time, which gives the wine its typical pink colour and fresh aromas.
How long does rosé wine keep?
Most rosé wines are intended for immediate consumption and should be drunk within one to two years of purchase. High-quality rosés aged in wood or from top winemakers can also be stored a little longer.
Which grape varieties are used for rosé wines?
In Europe, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir are mainly used for rosé wines. Depending on the region, Chardonnay or indigenous grape varieties are also used.
Which foods go particularly well with rosé wine?
Rosé wines harmonise well with Mediterranean dishes, grilled fish, seafood, Asian cuisine and light meat dishes. They are also a good choice with vegetarian dishes and antipasti.
What is the ideal drinking temperature for rosé wines?
Rosé wines should be enjoyed well chilled. The ideal drinking temperature is between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius, although it can be slightly lower for sparkling wines.