Rosé Wine Making Techniques

(Supplement to our June Wine Newsletter) Click to read!

Direct Pressing Method: The "Dip and Dash" Technique

As the renowned winemaker Helen Turley once said, "The secret to crafting a stunning rosé lies in the delicate dance between grape skins and juice." In the direct pressing method, grapes are gently crushed, allowing their juice to mingle with the skins for a brief maceration period. This fleeting contact extracts just the right amount of color, flavor, and aromas. Winemaker Turley explains, "By separating the juice from the skins before fermentation, we capture the essence of the grape, yielding a glass of crisp and fruity joy with a stunning range of hues, reminiscent of a summer sunset."

Saignée Method: The "Rosé from Within" Technique

In the words of renowned winemaker Dominique Lafon, "Crafting a saignée rosé is like unearthing hidden treasure from the heart of a red wine." The saignée method, or "bleeding" technique, allows winemakers to bleed off a portion of the juice from red wine fermentation tanks, emphasizing the richness of the remaining wine. As Lafon explains, "The bled-off juice, with its concentrated color, tannins, and flavors, blossoms into a vibrant and vivacious rosé, while the remaining wine gains depth and complexity." This method creates a win-win situation, providing both a captivating rosé and an intensified red wine.

Blending Method: The "Artistic Harmony" Technique

The visionary winemaker Paul Draper once said, "Blending is the art of achieving harmony in the glass." The blending method allows winemakers to express their creativity by skillfully combining red and white wines. As Draper explains, "Blending different grape varietals is akin to conducting an orchestra, carefully orchestrating the flavors to create a harmonious and well-balanced rosé." This technique offers winemakers the opportunity to tailor the wine's fruitiness, acidity, and structure to their desired specifications, resulting in a truly unique and enjoyable rosé experience.

Crafting the Perfect Rosé: A Fusion of Techniques

Now that we have explored the distinct winemaking methods, it's time to understand how they come together to create the perfect rosé. Winemakers carefully select the technique that aligns with their vision for the wine and the characteristics they want to highlight. Whether it's the direct pressing method, saignée method, or blending method, each approach brings its own magic to the final product.

The direct pressing method captures the essence of the grape, delivering a crisp and fruity rosé with a captivating range of hues. The saignée method unearths the hidden treasures within a red wine, offering a vibrant and vivacious rosé while intensifying the remaining wine. Lastly, the blending method provides an opportunity for artistic expression, allowing winemakers to create a well-balanced and harmonious rosé.

So, as you raise a glass of rosé, remember the delicate dance between grape skins and juice, the hidden treasures from within a red wine, and the art of achieving harmony in the glass. Savor the layers of flavor, the delicate hues, and the sheer pleasure that comes with indulging in a glass of well-crafted rosé. Cheers to the art of rosé!!!

As for taste, Domaine de la Mordorée La Dame Rousse Rosé 2020 delivers an elegant tasting experience that showcases the finesse and mastery of the winery. With vibrant fruit flavors, elegant structure, and a lingering finish, this rosé has earned high praise from esteemed wine critic James Suckling, who says, "La Dame Rousse 2020 is a testament to the precision and excellence of Domaine de la Mordorée. It captivates with its ripe strawberries, fresh raspberries, and subtle spice notes, creating a harmonious bouquet. The palate is treated to a symphony of flavors, with juicy red berries, hints of citrus, and a vibrant acidity that adds a refreshing zest. This is a standout rosé, beautifully balanced and showcasing the unique terroir of the Rhône Valley." La Dame Rousse 2020 is a truly exceptional rosé, exemplifying the craftsmanship and dedication of Domaine de la Mordorée. If you’d like my personal notes, I did a video tasting that you can find below.