Rose is New Zealand's go-to summer wine, and France makes more of it than anywhere else in the world. But French rose isn't one style. It ranges from pale, bone-dry and crisp to deeper, fruitier and even sparkling. This guide explains what to look for and which of our French roses suits which occasion.
How is rose wine made?
Rose is made from red grapes. The juice is left in contact with the dark grape skins for a short time, anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, which gives it a little colour and flavour. The shorter the contact, the paler and more delicate the wine. Leave it longer and you get a deeper colour and riper red fruit.
Good rose is not a mix of red and white wine. It is its own style, made deliberately from the start.
Dry vs sweet rose
Most French rose is dry. If you've only had sweet, candy-pink rose in the past, a dry French rose will taste noticeably fresher, with citrus, red berries and a crisp finish rather than sugar. All of the roses in our range are dry styles.
Our French roses, and when to drink them
Pale and crisp: Domaine du Colombier Rose
Light pink with notes of pink grapefruit, peach and a hint of mango. Soft, fruity and easy to enjoy. A great aperitif, and a natural partner for barbecues, salads and light summer meals.
Shop Domaine du Colombier Rose
Fresh and versatile: Audy Rose
Pale pink with fresh citrus notes. It is a flexible food wine, working with everything from a charcuterie board to spicy Asian dishes.
Organic: Vigier Gris de Grenache
An organic rose from the Ardeche with vibrant red fruit and peach notes. It has a little more richness on the palate while staying fresh. Try it with grilled fish or a summer salad.
Something different: Bordeaux Clairet, Chateau Tour
Clairet is a traditional Bordeaux style that sits between rose and a light red. Deeper in colour, with intense red fruit aromas. Serve it chilled with tapas, fish or shellfish. It is rarely seen in New Zealand.
Sparkling rose: Le Rose de Rouviere
A traditional-method sparkling rose from the Rhone with a pale ruby colour and aromas of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. Made for celebrations.
How to serve rose
- Temperature: serve well chilled, around 8 to 10°C. Take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before pouring.
- Glass: a standard white wine glass works perfectly.
- When to drink: most rose is made to be enjoyed young and fresh, within a year or two of release.
Food pairing with rose
Dry rose is one of the most food-friendly wines there is. It works with seafood, salads, Mediterranean food, barbecued chicken, charcuterie and lightly spiced dishes. For more ideas, see our French wine and food pairing guide.
Rose wine FAQ
What is the best rose wine in NZ?
It depends on your taste. For a pale, crisp style, start with Domaine du Colombier Rose. For something organic, try Vigier Gris de Grenache. For a deeper, fruitier style, try the Bordeaux Clairet.
Is French rose sweet?
Most French rose, including every rose in our range, is dry.
Does rose need to be chilled?
Yes. Rose is best served cold, around 8 to 10°C.
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