It is never easy to choose a wine . Whether as a gift, for yourself, during a dinner at a restaurant, or for a special occasion, the choice of wine depends on many criteria, starting with color. Are you hesitating between a red wine and a rosé wine ? Let's see how to choose between the two.
What is the difference between red wine and rosé wine?
Contrary to what received ideas have always conveyed, rosé wine is not a mixture of red wine and white wine, and even less a red wine cut with water. The major difference between red and rosé lies in the winemaking technique, which gives colors, but also different characteristics to the wines.
Red wine and rosé wine are both made from what is called skin maceration (except in the case of pressing rosé, where the grapes are pressed without prior maceration). The grapes are then macerated in a tank with an average temperature of 15°C. What differentiates rosé from red is the duration of maceration . Red wine is left to macerate much longer than rosé wine. This gives it a more intense color, because the pigments of the grape skin have been in contact with the juice for longer, but also different aromas and tannins.
The benefits of red wine and rosé wine?
We often hear that a glass of red wine is good for your health, as long as it is consumed in moderation. But what about rosé wine? Let’s take stock of the benefits of each.
The benefits of red wine
Red wine is the subject of numerous studies, and scientists agree that it has many benefits for the body . These are mainly due to the presence in red wine of components that are excellent for health, mainly from tannins.
- Polyphenol : this antioxidant plays a preventive role against cell oxidation. It thus helps fight against skin aging, prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, or even ensure the balance of blood sugar and cholesterol;
- Flavonoids : these antioxidants also act on cellular aging, but they also have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties ;
- Resveratrol : the antioxidant properties of this component help fight against cardiovascular diseases, but also against Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers .
Thus, drinking red wine helps extend lifespan, prevent diabetes, or even limit the risk of depression. You still need to consume it in moderation!
The benefits of rosé wine
Researchers have carried out far fewer studies on rosé wine. However, its components also have many health benefits .
- Reduction of bad cholesterol (LDL): the polyphenols in rosé wine have the same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as those present in red wine;
- Low in calories : with 82 kcal for 15 cl, rosé wine is the wine to choose to pay attention to your figure;
- Water balance in the body: rosé wine contains potassium , which helps balance the amount of water in the body;
- Prevention of skin aging and cardiovascular diseases: rosé wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant also present in greater quantities in red wine, but in lower quantities in white wine.
Characteristics of red wines from Provence
Red wine from Provence comes in different names and appellations (AOC Côtes de Provence, AOC Coteaux varois en Provence, AOC Bandol, etc.). It is distinguished by its garnet color and its pretty mauve reflections. Its nose is distinctive, distinguished, complex and fine, with aromas of red fruits (raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant), even flavors of black fruits, garrigue, spices, bay leaf and thyme.
When tasting, the taste of red wine from Provence can be both light and powerful, with very present tannins.
The red wines of Provence have good aging potential, and are best enjoyed at a serving temperature of 16°C.
Characteristics of Provence rosé wines
Rosé wine is the emblem of Provence , and represents more than 90% of wine production in this wine-growing region of France. Its color can take on different shades, from pale petal pink to bright raspberry, including salmon. Its nose offers notes of red fruits and black fruits (raspberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant, blackberry), and aromas of bay leaf, thyme, scrubland, but also fennel and anise. Typically Provençal flavors!
On the palate, Provence rosé wine is fine, generous and well balanced. It should be drunk young, at a serving temperature of around 10 to 12°C.
Food and red wine pairings from Provence
The whole difficulty of pairing food with Provence red wine is not serving a bottle that will mask the taste of the food. The red wine must enhance the dish with perfect balance, without one taking over the other. To help you make the right choices, here are some food and red wine pairings from Provence :
- Red 2017 AOP Côtes de Provence - Terres de Berne: a supple and round red wine, with aromas of fruit and licorice, ideal to accompany southern cuisine, but also Asian cuisine;
- Red 2019 AOP Côtes de Provence - Ultimate Provence: a structured red wine with aromas of spices and red fruits, perfect to accompany grilled red meat or cold meats;
- Red 2016 AOP Côtes de Provence - Inspiration: a round and fresh red wine, ideal to enhance a Provençal meal, cheese, or red meat.
Food and rosé wine pairings from Provence
Rosé wine is not just a simple summer wine that you sip by the pool. It can be full of subtleties, and thus accompany many dishes, from aperitif to dessert. Here are some food and rosé wine pairings from Provence .
- Rosé 2021 AOP Côtes de Provence - Inspiration: an elegant rosé wine with aromas of small red fruits and white-fleshed fruits, ideal to accompany white meat or seafood;
- Rosé 2020 AOP Côtes de Provence - Château des Bertrands Cuvée Rascas: a delicate rosé wine with notes of fruit and spices, perfect to accompany fish or Provençal dishes;
- Rosé 2022 AOP Côtes de Provence - Origin : a balanced and dynamic rosé wine, ideal for enhancing oriental cuisine, poultry or fusion cuisine.
Vintages of red wines and rosé wines from Provence
To help you choose the best red wine of Provence or the best rosé wine of Provence , you can make a selection of the greatest vintages.
As for the reds of Provence, the great years are the 1989, 1998 and 2001 vintages. Then come the 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1995, 2006, 2007, and 2009 vintages.
As for rosé wines from Provence, the greatest year is the 1998 vintage . Then come the vintages 1983, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1995, 2007, 2009, and 2010.
The choice between red wine and rosé wine ultimately depends on individual tastes and the characteristics of each wine. Provence is in any case an ideal terroir to provide you with exceptional great wines.
