"Rose wine" is a general term for pink wine, and comes in a variety of colors, from pale pink to a pink close to red wine. "Rose" is a French word meaning "rose-colored."
In France, rosé wine is consumed more than white wine, and has become the standard wine of choice. This trend is also spreading around the world.
There are four main ways to make rosé wine:
- The Seigner method
- Direct Pressing
- Blended brewing
- Assemblage method
In the EU, the "assemblance method" of blending red and white wine is generally not permitted anywhere except in Champagne.
Most New Zealand rosé wines are made from red wine grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Merlot, but some rosé wines are made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc (a white wine grape), often using an assemblage technique in which Sauvignon Blanc is mixed with a small amount of red wine (or rosé wine).
