Delicious, refreshing, and sweet nectar are all accurate, but rosé is a type of wine that utilizes the color of the grape skins in the winemaking process. It does not utilize enough to quantify as a red wine, and colors can vary from light to deep blushes depending on the varietal and craftsmanship.

 

This light, refreshing wine that’s sparkling and sweet or sometimes still and dry, has made itself right at home as one of the most popular wines in the world. As one of the earliest known red wines, rose has a long, rich history and should be added to your regular rotation.  

 

Whether you’re flying into Paris or closer to the coast in Marseilles, try some of the finest roses in the world, and see where they come from:

 

Champagne

Location:  Northeastern France

Grapes:  chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunrier

Notes:  sparkling, full bodied, noted for ageability

Go There:  Take a day trip from Paris!  This destination is an hour away by TGV train.

Montaudon Grande Brut Rose

 

Tavel

Location:  Southern France, across from the Rhone River

Grapes:  grenache, cinsault, syrah, mourvedre

Notes:  dry, medium bodied, deeply aromatic

Go There:  See the favorite vineyards of kings during a trip to the South of France.  This destination is an hour car drive from the Marseilles Provence Airport.

Chateau De Segries Tavel Rose

 

Cotes de Provence

Location:  Southeastern France, off the Mediterranean coast

Grapes:  carignan, cinsault, grenache, mourvedre, tibouren, cabarnet sauvignon, syrah

Notes:  dry, fresh fruit aromas, almost always pairs well with seafood

Go There:  While visiting the coast and tasting the seasonal seafood of the region, visit any number of vineyards located here.  The area is a less than 45 minute drive from the Marseilles Provence Airport.

Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose