Today, it's a real rant that I'm pushing. A rant against the producers of rosé wine, a rant against wine merchants, influencers and consumers !
Say goodbye to rosé wine
Under this title hides a reality : the world of rosé wine is slowly dying ! In 2019, sales of rosé wine fell by 10%.
According to the Nielsen firm, this decrease would be due to the weather factor : "The freshness of May and the extreme weather of June (succession of cold waves and heat waves, wind and rain) ". Moreover, the FIFA World Cup had boosted sales of rosé the previous year. According to them, there is no need to worry.
However, this decline is a fundamental trend… In 2017, 5% more rosé wine was sold compared to 2019. Therefore, these reasons cannot be the only ones.
It is evident that the weather and sporting events played a role in the consumption of rosé wine. However, are these the only reasons ? For me, there are others…
The price is a real obstacle
There was a time when rosé wine was a friend's drink, a wine of good times. Today, some wines sell for two to three times more than before. This price increase is not without consequences. We have most certainly exceeded the equilibrium price to equalize supply with demand.
Still seen by many consumers as a friendly wine, it can be hard to spend 20 or 30 euros for a rosé wine. A consumer is willing to pay a high price when it is fully justified.
Rosé wine is largely depleted
Second reason, the world of rosé wine has largely become standardized, leaving little room for varied consumption.
According to the Center for Research and Experimentation on Rosé Wine, the color intensity of the rosés has halved in 14 years. There were more than 120 shades of rosé. How many do you see on the shelves now ? It is a reality in France, but also in Europe and the rest of the world.
Here is a perfect example proposed by the CNIV (National Committee of Interprofessions for Wines with Designation of Origin and Geographical Indication). He recently published in his media Win., the infographic you will find below. The rosé is reduced to a few colors and a lot of false information "for the sake of simplification".
– certainly because we are not able to understand -…
There is an obvious correlation between the color and the taste of a wine in the mind of the consumer. We have halved the number of rosé wine colors. We have restricted the level of consumer knowledge to a handful of alternatives. So much so that today, a more colorful rosé is perceived as bad and abnormal…
« Non, we will not order Bandol rosé, because customers want a clear rosé wine… "
It’s in these words – too often heard – that explains the impoverishment of the world of rosé wine and its growing disinterest !
Wanting to offer only light rosé without any real alternative, we force-fed consumers. Today, it's time to give them back the diversity they deserve !
Let's change this trend
By this article, I want consumers to become aware of the plurality of rosé wines. I dream that wine merchants, supermarkets and other sellers are starting to offer more choices in their selections. I invite influencers and bloggers to communicate much more about these lost colors of wine !
You like wine ? This summer, add nuance to your glasses… Be different, be yourself : save the roses !
Cultivate your difference, share with the hashtag :
#ViveLesVinsRosés
Rediscover rosé wines
Illustration of the appellations presented below
Burgundy Marsannay
Marsannay rosé is an appellation wine produced in Burgundy. From 215 hectares of this area, 180 are intended for the production of red and rosé thanks to the single Pinot Noir grape variety. This is the only appellation to produce rosé wines in the Côte de Nuits. Every year, 2,500 hectoliters of Marsannay rosé are produced there.
These rosé wines have a magnificent color and offer a rich and tender fruitiness.. We discover in the glass aromas of vine peach and red fruits such as redcurrant and cherry..
The Tavel appellation in the Rhône Valley
Facing Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Tavel appellation is the only Rhone appellation to produce only rosé. Nine red and white grape varieties come together to offer generous rosé wines !
Tavel marks the spirits with its unique brilliant color. Its purity and intensity will captivate you. In the mouth, it reveals a magnificent intensity of aromas of red and black fruits, associated with notes of white flowers. This gastronomic rosé will offer you a unique and seductive spicy bouquet.
Bandol in Côtes-de-Provence
Far from what you know of Côtes-de-Provence, the rosé wines of Bandol will charm you with their difference and their roundness. The marriage of Mourvèdre grape varieties, Grenache and Cinsault offer a generous and structured glass.
Soft and fruity while remaining very dry, the rosé wines of Bandol express intense notes of apricot, vineyard fishing, mango, spices and plants from the garrigue.
Bordeaux Clairet
Bordeaux Clairet is certainly the most difficult rosé wine to find. Halfway between rosé and red wine, these are particularly aromatic wines. These wines are produced from a blend of red grape varieties : merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet-sauvignon.
Fresh and delicious, Bordeaux Clairet presents a luminous red color. It is a supple wine with a certain body as well as real aromatic fullness with soft tannins.
And do not forget…
Reader friends, I hope I convinced you… Offer new experiences to your palet and your guests ! Share your discoveries on social networks to give others the opportunity to do the same.
#ViveLesVinsRosés
And for you, which appellation or cuvée gave you faith in rosé wines ? What are your favorites ? Please let me know in a comment. You can also follow your wine blog with Instagram.
Jean-Nicolas Mouretin
You are quite right ! at l’ approaching May we are starting to see shelves of rosé bottles and’ obviously it doesn’ there is only light rosé, there is not even any more choice unless’ go search the shelves. But wouldn't the pink color give the marketo-feeling of’ a light wine such as’ we like to drink it chilled in summer ?
There are many strong rosé wines, almost orange, much less alcoholic than these others, pale and tasteless… They are undeniably richer in flavors and a good alternative to red to accompany aperitifs and other summer barbecues.. Marketing has certainly played its role in the consumer's mind. However, do not forget that even a red wine served chilled is very interesting in summer. The feeling of freshness is closely linked to the serving temperature. Is ice cream refreshing because of its temperature or because of its composition? ?