9 Red & Rose Winemaking

Question 1

3 methods of Rose production

Answer 1

Direct pressing, Short maceration, Blending

Question 2

What is direct pressing (rose wine)

Answer 2

Black grapes crushed and pressed in same way as white wine (no maceration). Extracts a little colour, care not to extract too much tannin.

Question 3

Considerations when making rose by short maceration method

Answer 3

Black grapes crushed and undergo pre-ferment maceration to extract flavour and colour. Duration depends on amount of colour and tannin desired. May or may not extend into start of fermentation. Free run juice then drained off skins and fermented at cool temp like white wine

Question 4

When is the blending method used for rose

Answer 4

Small quantity of red wine added to white wine. Generally not permitted in EU, except Champagne. Plus some inexpensive New World rose.

Question 5

What climates suit Grenache and why

Answer 5

Warm / hot. Late ripening variety with high tolerance for drought

Question 6

Why is Grenache particularly well suited for making rose wine

Answer 6

Thin, sweet and pale coloured skins