So many types of rose wine are available to try that it can be overwhelming.
When you find one that looks particularly appealing, you have to consider whether it will suit your taste perfectly.
However, whether you’re looking to buy your first bottle of rose wine or are an experienced drinker, you want to branch out from the tried-and-true list of different types of rose wine.
This will help you narrow your options and find the perfect fit for your palate.
Different Types of Rose Wine
Pinot Noir Rosé
With abundant floral characteristics, Pinot Noir Rosé wines are best consumed with meals or during warmer months.
The taste is often described as soft and fruity, and Pinot Noir Rosé can be served alongside grilled salmon and steak to enhance their flavors.
However, the lighter-bodied and fruitier qualities of different types of rose wine provide a refreshing alternative to heavier reds.
These wines are generally not meant for aging for optimal tasting conditions, and they keep your bottle stored in a cool, dark place away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
Grenache Rosé
Grenache is a grape that’s grown in many regions around Europe. It has been used as both a blending and stand-alone grape in different types of rose wine.
In France, it’s often blended with Grenache Noir and Syrah. However, it’s prized in Spain for its high yields; growers make many different types of rose wine from Grenache Rosé.
Though high-quality examples are harder to find than one might think, Grenache Rosé tends to be fruity but not particularly sweet.
And some say it has an earthy quality that makes it taste even better with food. It also contains hints of pepper spice and citrus, making it versatile.
Cabernet Franc Rosé
Cabernet Franc is considered a natural grape variety of different types of rose wind. As such, it is high in tannins and also produces small berries.
These traits and its long growing season make it an excellent variety for rosé wine production.
Cabernet Franc-based rosés are often described as light red or purple and can have a cherry, raspberry, or cranberry aroma and flavor.
However, the wines tend to be light-bodied with medium acidity if aged in oak barrels. They can take notes of smoke or cocoa flavors.
They are best served chilled (50 degrees Fahrenheit) but can be served slightly chilled or at room temperature, depending on preference.
Mourvèdre Rosé
Mourvèdre is an excellent choice for different types of rose wine and lends itself explicitly very well to lighter-bodied, fruity styles.
Mourvèdre wines are incredibly vibrant and fresh when young, full of bright cherry and currant notes.
However, most producers in Provence make a variation on what’s known as Bandol.
An appellation that refers not to a grape but rather to a method. Typically, producers take Grenache (or Cinsault or Syrah) and vinify it in oak with no malolactic fermentation. (meaning there’s no buttery mouthfeel). Their other options?
Sangiovese Rosé
You’ll most likely encounter this wine if you ever eat at a high-end Italian restaurant. You’ll know it by its fruity flavor and light, refreshing feel.
If you enjoy white wine but want just a bit more oomph, try Sangiovese Rose. In addition, It’s also worth noting that because so much goes into creating an excellent Sangiovese rose, it tends to be more expensive than other rose wines.
However, at least in my experience, tasting different types of rose wines from all over Italy. This one was always on my list of favorites!
Syrah Rosé
Syrah and rosé wine are perfect for spring and summer for different types of rose wine, as they’re light.
But with a hint of fruitiness, Syrah is a red wine that originated in France and is grown mainly on sunny hillsides.
However, rose wine tastes different depending on where it’s made. If you like sweet dessert wines or fruity red wines, syrah/rosé wine may be right up your alley.
You should know about syrah/rosé wine: Alcohol content – 12%. Average price – $15-$20.
Note: Because syrah/rosé is so affordable, it’s easy to try new varieties without breaking the bank!
Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
It may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s not. Yes, most different types of rose wine are made from red grapes, usually (but not always) from France or Spain.
The wine is generally lighter in taste and color than traditional cabernet sauvignon.
Hence, it can be an excellent choice for summertime dining on those warm summer evenings.
Most cabernet sauvignon rosé wines have a fruity flavor and taste, making them a hit at weddings and other events where you want something light.
They are also easy to drink but still tasty enough to be enjoyable with food.
Zinfandel Rosé (a.k.a. White Zinfandel)
This isn’t an actual rosé. To become white Zinfandel, red wine has its color and tannins stripped away with a long. Cold soak in a mixture usually made up of water and carbon dioxide.
Once that’s done. It’s bottled in a clear bottle with no mention on its label that it once contained juice from red grapes.
However, without Zinfandel, rosé is produced by blending Bordeaux reds and Spanish white varietals (like Grenache).
Together, they will often be labeled as white Zinfandel or different types of rose wine.
The resulting wine tastes more like grape soda than anything else. It’s okay, but nothing special unless you like grape soda, which I do not.
Provence Rosé
One common misconception about the different types of rose wine is that it’s all pink.
The color of a rose doesn’t indicate what type it is. However, what makes a rose wine rose isn’t its color but how it’s made.
To qualify as Provence rosé, it should be mostly made from red grapes with no skin contact, and no white grape addition is necessary; one classic Provence rosé is Tavel Rosé.
Tempranillo Rosé
Tempranillo rosé wines are based on a red wine grape from Spain and Portugal. The medium body and slightly spicy flavors of Tempranillo rosé make it a great match with seafood and even grilled chicken.
However, this different type of rose wine is also very versatile in cocktails because it isn’t too sweet or overpowering, unlike many other types of rose. Some popular producers include Grupo López de Heredia, Viña Tondonia, and Miguel Torres.
Tavel Rosé
One of my favorite different types of rose wine is Tavel. A lighter style, the Tavel rose is delicate and crisp with a superficial acidity level.
It can appeal to various palates and pairs exceptionally well with seafood, like scallops or shrimp. Nevertheless, the best part is that because it’s a lightly colored wine, you don’t have to worry about pairing it with food that matches its hue.
That makes Tavel an ideal choice if you plan to serve lighter fare at your upcoming shindig. Just make sure not to do it too cold! Otherwise, your guests might mistake it for a rosé sparkling wine instead.
Blush Rosé
The Blush in blush rosé doesn’t refer to a pink hue, and It relates to blush wine or rosé, which are red wines that have been lightly processed and left with some residual sugar.
Though their tastes vary widely, most blush wines can be light-bodied wines with fruity notes and medium tannins.
However, sweet tastes like cranberry and raspberry. Blush rosé is an excellent choice of different types of rose wine if you enjoy a lighter red wine.
It pairs nicely with poultry dishes and grilled fish like salmon or trout. However, many fine-dining restaurants do not stock Blush, mainly served as a casual alternative in wine bars or restaurants.
Sparkling Rosé
Traditionally referred to as Champagne, sparkling rosé is made from red wine grapes like Pinot Noir or Syrah. Then, a secondary fermentation process transforms it into a wine with effervescence.
The result is light and delicate, with fruity flavors like raspberry and strawberry. Again, it’s a great option if you’re looking for different types of rose wine than white or red wine.
We recommend pairing sparkling rosé with lighter dishes, such as seafood with citrus-based sauces or chicken salad.
In contrast to heartier Italian dishes, where red wines may pair better if you want to test your culinary skills when cooking, try a recipe with reds and whites.
