Not just a pretty Rosé wine label…
Today, a majority of consumers still admit to choosing their wine based on the visual appearance of the label. I know it’s true, because I’m sometimes guilty of it too. Turns out, choosing wine based on the label art is still a common practice for many especially when they aren’t familiar with the different wine varieties or producers. The label art can reflect the personality, quality or even the story behind the wine. Wine labels can influence perceptions of taste, and quality. A well-designed label can also make consumers believe the wine tastes better even before they try it. This is why, some wine producers invest in their wine label art design to increase their chances of consumer purchases, and to enhance their visibility odds of being posted on social media channels. Hence, attracting a wider consumer audience and popular social influencer presence. While it’s not the most reliable or best method for ensuring a good taste, I can attest the wine label art makes the whole selection process in the grocery store or wine shop a more enjoyable and visually appealing experience. However, if you’re serious about finding a wine you’ll like and enjoy, it’s always good to consider additional information like the grape variety, region, producers; and yes, a few tidbits from the wine influencer’s thoughts, and especially their reviews.
Let’s take Rosé for example. Rosé wine has gained significant U.S. popularity in recent years, and particularly for those of us who enjoy drinking it during warmer weather. Thanks to its refreshing nature, and approachable flavor profile Rosé is so versatile, and leverages unlimited food pairing possibilities. It’s great with summer dishes, salads, grilled vegetables, seafood, light pasta dishes, and even spicy foods due to it’s acidity, and refreshing quality.
While we’re still chatting about the design of the wine label, showcased below are some of my favorite Rosé I’ve tasted this year that just so happen to have unique label art.
Van Duzer Rosé 2023, the grape variety is Pinot Noir, from the Willamette Valley, Oregon. A classic Rosé of Pinot Noir, mix of strawberry and raspberry notes on the nose and twist of citrus. Pale pink in color, and a tasty antidote to a heatwave in August. I'd say a very colorful and vibrant wine label too.
Questions I get asked, “How is Rosé wine made?” Well, to begin with, Rosé is one of the oldest types of wine, dating back to ancient times. The method of producing lighter-colored wines, was common practice in early winemaking because ancient techniques often produced wines that were pale, and lighter in color. The Greeks and the Romans, for example, made wines that were similar to modern Rosés.
Speaking about the Greeks making wine, this ZOE Rosé is a product of Greece! This Rosé is made with two Greek grapes, a blend of Agiorgitiko 70% and 30% Moscofilero. A burst of cherry and watermelon in your mouth, and I do love the hot pink "Tree of Life" label art.
Rosé winemaking incorporates some of the color from the grape skins, but not enough color to qualify as a true red wine. It can be made still, semi-sparking, or sparkling with a wide range of sweetness levels too. The pink color can vary greatly, from a pale blush “French Provence style” look, to a vibrant salmon or even deep pink, depending on the grape varieties used and the winemaking techniques.
The modern popularity of Rosé especially in the regions like Provence, France, has grown significantly over the past decades, but the style itself is ancient. So, Rosé wine for modern winemakers today is more of an evolving winemaking tradition.
Here are few methods to making Rosé wine today:
Direct-Press: This method is where the grapes specifically intended for Rosé wine are harvested. These are often red grape varieties, and the grapes are pressed shortly after harvest, with minimal skin contact. This process results in a very light-colored Rosé wine, often a pale pink, as the juice has only a brief time to extract color from the grapes. Direct-press Rosé is popular in regions like Provence, France where the style of Rosé is renowned for its pale color and elegant, refreshing profile. This method contrasts with the saignée method, where the Rosé is a byproduct of red wine production. and maceration, where the grape skins are left with the juice for a longer period of time.
Maceration: The most common method, where red grapes are crushed and the skins are allowed to macerate with the juice for a short period. The timeframe could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days. This imparts the wine with a light pink color before they are removed, and fermentation continues without them.
Saignée: This involves bleeding off a portion of the grape juice from the red wine production early in the process. The saignée method can also help concentrate the red wine that remains.
The other question I get asked is “Why are there so many different pink color variations of Rosé wine?” Again, the pick color can vary greatly. For example, some of the Rosé wines featured in my blog post are pale pink, others have a brighter pinkness, and few are downright cerise, maybe even magenta. The color of the Rosé wine is dependent on the grape varieties used in the overall wine making process.
Back to my pretty wine labels, despite these aesthetically pleasing and stylish wine labels, the Rosé I’m highlighting in this blog post are more than just appealing products. Beyond their attractive packaging these wines offer substantial quality, flavor, and craftsmanship. “Not just a pretty Rosé wine label”, I’ve looked beyond the pretty label art and considered the wine itself— its origin, the winemaking process, and the overall tasting experience it offers.
By way of illustration, here are more of my favorite Rosés, that just so happen to have lovely label art.
Flor de Muga Rosé 2023, one of my Spanish favorites! 100% Garnacha. The Garnacha grape is also known as the Grenache grape, and this gorgeous Rosé wine is from Rioja, Spain. When I look at this bottle, I think of planning a special soirée, birthday bash, Rosé all day party, or just because.
A to Z Oregon Rosé made predominantly from old vine Sangiovese grapes grown in Southern Oregon's cool-climate valleys. This dry Rosé is so enjoyable in the summer. A thirst-quencher grapefruit taste, and watermelon jolly rancher. Delicious. A pink vino makes everything taste better with a wide array of nibbles.
Vino from Mexico! Tres Raices in Spanish means "three roots" in English. Bodegas Tres Raices is located in the heart of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. This Rosé is made with two grapes Grenache 50%, and Caladoc 50%. There are many fantastic wines made in Mexico, and this Rosé is one of them. On a historical note, Dolores Hidalgo is a city located near the artsy city, and tourist attraction of San Miguel de Allende.
A few organic Rosé wines…
This Biokult 2021 Zweigelt Rosé, is from Burgenland, Austria. This wine is made with 100% organic grapes, and the "Zweigelt" is Austria's number one red grape variety producing Rosé, and Red wines. A fantastic Rosé wine, I enjoyed this vino with some spicy Hatch red chile enchiladas. There's raspberry, strawberry, and a lemon peppery spice to the taste. Love the citrus freshness as well as the spicy berry combo. Pretty label too!
From the beautiful country of Argentina, the Domaine Bousquet Rosé wine is made with organic grapes 50% Pinot Noir, 30 % Syrah, 10% Pinot Gris and 10% Viognier. It's fresh combination of strawberries, red berries, and orange zest. A lively Rosé with fantastic acidity. The label art is a picturesque design of the vineyards of the Uco Valley resting at the foothills of the Andes mountains. What differentiates these vineyards, and the wines they produce is their terroir combined with the near constant breezes from the Andes coming in from the west. It's a bargain Rosé, if you can find it.
Now, on to one of my favorite vino topics, Texas wines. Below are three of my favorite Texas Rosé wines tasted this summer. All three are made in the state of Texas, and with 100% Texas grapes.
This Texas FCV Rosé by Frio Canyon Vineyard was a gift from my wine bestie, and wine writer Katrina Rene the @TheCorkscrewConcierge. Frio in Spanish means cold in English. This Grenache Rosé is glorious, and stunning just like the golden "tree of life" label.
Texas Hill Country Tannat, or to not? There's no question here in Texas the Tannat grape yields more than just a great Rosé, but some outstanding Red wines too. A groovy Bending Branch Winery label.
Sometimes, a simple label says it all.
This black label is simple, but the wine tells a lovely story. C.L. Butaud "Blanc De Noir" Rosé is 100% Mourvèdre. Mourvèdre is a red wine grape variety grown in many regions around the world including the Rhône and Provence regions of France, Valencia and Jumilla in Spain, and now also in the state of Texas. Maybe not a pretty wine label, but a remarkable Rosé with a lovey story behind it. Excellent.
Now to the feature photo, the 2023 Adelshiem Rosé. I love Adelsheim’s thoughts behind their annual Artist Series. The 2023 Adelsheim Rosé of Pinot Noir. This beautifully hand-drawn illustration is called the "Artist Series" this year created by Portland artist, Anisa Asakawa. The 2023 vintage marks the fifth in the Artist Series Rosé, and Anisa Asakawa captures the colorful essence of the Oregon Willamette Valley.
“My time in the vineyards directly inspired this abstract landscape. Adelsheim’s integrated ecosystem of clean water, large green spaces for wildlife, ribbons of fertile soil, and cherished vines with their distinct silhouette is a reminder that everything is connected.” --Anisa Asakawa
So there you have it. Wine labels do more than just look pretty; they’re a powerful tool for marketing, storytelling, and conveying important information, all of which contribute to driving sales. However, keep in mind, if you’re serious about finding a Rosé wine you’ll like and enjoy, it’s always good to consider a few thoughts like the grape variety, region, producers; and yes, a few tidbits from the wine influencer too.
¡Felicidades!