About Rosé

A winemaking style, not a grape variety—Rosé is made from red grapes with minimal skin contact, offering fresh, vibrant flavours.

What is Rosé?

Unlike Shiraz, Chardonnay, or Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé is not a grape variety—it’s a style of winemaking. Rosé is made from red grapes, but unlike red wine, the grape skins are left in contact with the juice for only a short time. This process gives Rosé its signature pink hue, ranging from pale salmon to deep ruby, depending on the grape and winemaking technique.

How is Rosé Made?

There are three main methods of making Rosé:

• Direct Press – The gentlest method, where red grapes are lightly pressed, creating pale, delicate Rosé wines.
• Short Maceration – The most common style, where the juice stays on the skins for a few hours to extract colour and flavour.
• Blending – Rare in quality winemaking, this method involves mixing red and white wine to create Rosé.

Popular Grape Varieties Used in Australian Rosé

• Grenache – Juicy, fruit-driven Rosé with vibrant strawberry and spice notes.
• Shiraz – Adds body and richness to Rosé, with bold red fruit and subtle tannins.
• Pinot Noir – Creates elegant, fresh Rosé with delicate florals and bright acidity.
• Tempranillo – Produces dry, savoury Rosé with red berry and earthy undertones.

Famous Regions for Australian Rosé

• Barossa Valley – Known for its bold, fruit-driven Rosé, often made from Grenache.
• McLaren Vale – Produces bright, fresh Rosé with great balance and acidity.
• Adelaide Hills – Offers refined, delicate Rosé with floral and citrus notes.
• Mornington Peninsula – A Pinot Noir hotspot, creating elegant, pale-hued Rosé.

What Does Rosé Taste Like?

Rosé is incredibly diverse, but common flavours include strawberry, raspberry, citrus, watermelon, and floral notes. Depending on the style, it can be crisp and dry, fruity and aromatic, or even slightly textured and savoury.

Winemaking Styles & New Trends

Australian winemakers are increasingly focusing on dry, Provence-style Rosé, moving away from the overly sweet styles of the past. There’s also a rise in single-vineyard and minimal-intervention Rosé, emphasising purity and terroir.

Similar Wines to Try

• Pinot Gris – A great alternative for fans of crisp, refreshing Rosé.
• Grenache-based reds – Offers similar fruit-driven, easy-drinking appeal.
• Prosecco – A bubbly option with fresh fruit and floral characteristics.
• Vermentino – Shares Rosé’s zesty acidity and light, Mediterranean character.

Recommended Australian Rosé Wines

Looking for the perfect Australian Rosé? These handpicked selections highlight the best of the style:

• Sub Rosa Rosé – A beautifully balanced Rosé with vibrant acidity and a fresh finish.
• Turkey Flat Rosé – One of Australia’s most iconic Rosé wines, known for its elegance and bright red fruit.

Food Pairing with Rosé

Rosé’s versatility makes it a perfect match for **seafood, fresh salads, and Mediterranean dishes**. Try a crisp Grenache Rosé with grilled prawns or a savoury Shiraz Rosé with charcuterie and soft cheeses.

Explore Australian Rosé

At Wine Simple, we stock a handpicked selection of premium Australian Rosé wines. Whether you love a light, delicate Rosé or a richer, fruit-forward style, we’ve got the perfect bottle for you.

Looking for the perfect Rosé? Browse our selection here.