Other Options for Rose Production

Question 1

Where and how are grapes for rose wine usually grown?

Answer 1

• in cool or moderate regions
• or in cool to moderate sites
• or in warm climates, but picked early to preserve freshness

Question 2

What are the desirable qualities for grapes to produce rose wine?

Answer 2

• medium to high levels of acidity
• low to medium levels of potential abv
• fresh fruit flavors

Question 3

What is the current trend for rose wine?

Answer 3

• pale in color with minimal tannins
• made with grapes that have low to medium levels of color and tannins

Question 4

What is the typical timing of harvest of grapes for rose wine?

Answer 4

• earlier than that of red wine grapes
• but the grapes must be ripe to avoid extraction of green flavors

Question 5

How is harvesting carried out?

Answer 5

• by machine or by hand
• hand harvesting allows whole bunch pressing to gain a juice that is low in color
• machine harvesting is beneficial in warm climates, so the harvest can be done at night

Question 6

What temps are rose wines usually fermented at?

Answer 6

• cools temps of 12-16C to promote production and retention of aroma compounds

Question 7

What material is used for the fermentation vessels of rose wine?

Answer 7

• in general, SS is used, but oak vessels can be used to provide more texture

Question 8

What kind of yeast is used for fermentation of rose wine?

Answer 8

• cultured yeast strains are used, and certain strains may be selected to enhance fruity flavors

Question 9

How are rose wines with RS made?

Answer 9

• by halting fermentation before it reaches dryness
• or by blending a sweet component with the dry rose wine

Question 10

Is MLC performed on rose wine?

Answer 10

• MLC is avoided, as buttery flavors do not suit the wine

Question 11

Is oak or lees used to mature rose wine?

Answer 11

• occasionally wine may mature for a short period on the lees and in oak vessels to add texture and body
• new oak can also be used to add complexity to the flavors

Question 12

How is the visual appeal of rose wine taken into consideration during production and packaging?

Answer 12

• the wine is fined and filtered to increase clarity
• the wines are typically bottled in clear glass to show off their pretty pink color