Rosé wines are produced by macerating red grapes skins in their juices for a period of time, which could vary from a few hours to few days. The juice is then strained from the skins and the skins are then discarded. It is known as rosado in Portuguese and Spanish speaking countries. In Italy, its known as rosato.

Rosé wines are pink in colour. The colour of a rosé wine can vary a lot, depending upon the contact time with the grape skins. Shorter the contact time, lighter the colour of the wine. Left for an extended period of time you will get a darker shade of pink. They can be made from a wide variety of red grapes. These varieties often used are Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Malbec. These varieties can also be used in a blend. The major rosé wine producing countries are France, Italy, Spain, USA and Australia.

Rosés come in different styles ranging from sweet, off-dry to bone dry styles. These can be quite refreshing in the summer and spring season. Most rosés display citrus, melon and floral notes. They are well paired with light salads, rice dishes and seafood such as lobster, seared salmon and tuna.

The popularity and demand of Australian rosé wine has grown a lot over the years. It often comes across as a sophisticated wine. There are many established Australian rosé wine brands. The major Australian rosé wine producing regions are:

Barossa Valley
With large number of Grenache plantings, this variety has made its place in Barossa Valley. Rosés from Barossa Valley are light pink in colour with berry fruit flavours.

Yarra Valley
It is one of the few regions in Australia that is quite proficient in producing both still and Sparkling Rosé. Exciting rose wines from Yarra valley are a must try. The region is also renowned for producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.

Western Australian Rosé
Rosé wines from Western Australia are majorly produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and tend to be slightly sweeter and lighter.

Adelaide Hills Rosé
Rosés from Adelaide Hills are drier in style due to its cool climate. Most of the rosés are made from Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Although, rosé wines were originally produced in countries like France, Spain and Italy. It has gained quite a traction in Australia too. Many of the Australian rosé wine brands are worldwide renowned.