Pink wines can be divided into several styles. There is the aperitif, fruity, fresh, and light, rosé style, which is particularly suitable for consumption without food, for drinking young, and outdoors. This wine is usually favored on yachts, at parties, and at poolside gatherings. The aperitif-style rose wine retains its leading position largely due to its unobtrusive character. These rosé wines are fresh and full-bodied for at most a couple of years after bottling. So check the vintage carefully before buying.

In contrast, there are serious rosé wines that can offer as much fruit, structure, and enjoyment as red wine. Such wines are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them structure and weight. This wine is in high demand among connoisseurs and proves that the stereotypes of 'feminine' and 'masculine' wine are outmoded.

Three methods of rosé wine production:
Direct pressing. The grapes are harvested and pressed, their juice is immediately separated from the skins. As a result, the beverage only has time to take on some of its colors.
Maceration. This method allows the wine to gain a richer color. The must is not pressed immediately, as one would do with direct pressing; on the contrary, it is allowed to infuse for a few hours or even one night, which is why rose wine is often called one-night wine. In comparison, in the production of red wine, this stage may take up to a month.
The Saignée method. This method is highly valued by professionals and is considered to be the most expensive method in the production of rosé wine. The grape bunches in the vat are pressed together under their weight and the juice flows out by itself. Dramatic and delicious.

Provence is one of the most famous regions and an obvious source of different styles of rosé wine. The three main regional appellations of rosé wines of Provence are:
Côtes de Provence - 20,000 hectares. 92% accounts for the production of rosé wines (116 million bottles). 352 producers, and 38 cooperatives. The northern and western parts are more hilly and characterized by limestone soils. Heading south and east, soils become more crystalline and some are of volcanic origin. The main grape varieties are:

Tibouren, the only place in France where it can be found, is in the Var Department of Provence. The variety produces delicate, elegant wines. It is ideal for rosé wines.
Cinsault, which gives a fresh, delicate, fruity touch to the wines, shading the strength of the other varieties. It is widely used to produce rosé wine in Provence.
Grenache is a Spanish grape variety. It is very vigorous and hardy to strong winds and drought. It imparts elegant berry tones to the young wines.
Syrah produces wines with a strong, full-bodied character.
Mourvèdre is a variety that ripens slowly: it does best when it faces the sea, where it can ripen properly. Mourvèdre produces robust wines with delicate, assertive tannins.

Coteaux Varois en Provence - 2,633 hectares. 93% of its production is rosé (18 million bottles). This alpine appellation is surrounded by cliffs in the center of Provence and is the coldest terroir in Provence for rosé wines. The vineyards range in altitude from 350 to 500 meters, making it one of the highest vineyards in Provence. The terroir consists mainly of limestone. The main grape varieties are:
Grenache - gives the wine fullness and strength.
Cinsault - aromatic and attractive.
Mourvèdre - This varietal ripens slowly: it is best when it faces the sea, where it can ripen properly. Mourvèdre produces robust wines with delicate, punchy tannins.
Syrah produces strong, full-bodied wines.

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence - 4,127 hectares. 86% is made up of rosé wine production (32 million bottles a year). The vineyards are located in the hills and descend towards the Mediterranean Sea, while the Mistral wind blowing from the north helps to cool them down. Soils vary greatly: clay and limestone with a mixture of sand and gravel prevail, depending on the location. The main grape varieties are:

Counoise is a grape that appreciates the rocky and hot terroirs of the slopes. This variety gives the wines a refined, supple, and fruity character.
Cinsault - gives wines a fresh, delicate, fruity touch, shading the strength of other varieties. It is widely used to produce rosé wine in Provence.

Mourvèdre was planted long ago in Provence. When young, the wines made from this variety have hints of violet and blackberry. Mourvèdre is often used in blends with Grenache and Syrah.

Syrah is a strong, full-bodied wine.

Who's worth looking out for?

Miraval - the art of rosé wines
Miraval produces wines within the Côtes de Provence AOC appellation. It is a very comfortable wine, with aromas of fresh fruit, freshly cut currants, and rose petals, flavored with lemon zest. Thanks to their style, Miraval wines have earned recognition from wine critics and are popular with wine gourmets from all over the world. Its main characteristics are freshness, lightness, and brightness. Production: direct pressing of Senço, Grenache, and Rolle. Syrah is partially vinified using the "saignee" method. The vinification is made in stainless vats (95%) and barrels (5%) with batonnage.

Chateau Minuty is the jewel of Saint-Tropez.
Minuty is one of the Cru Classés of Provence, which has been part of the prestigious classification since 1955, the aim of which is to rank the best producers in the region. The vineyard is directly influenced by the sea, thus the wines express a subtle character marked by the sea air. Château Minuty's rosé wines are made from Grenache, the 'king of rosés', and Tiburen, the symbol of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, which has been preserved to guarantee the wines' local typicity. Other authorized grape varieties are also present in the blend. Frequent aromas consist of hints of citrus, fruit, and flowers, among which lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, peach, and lavender can be highlighted. The taste is characterized by a light acidity and minerality. One of the characteristics of Château Minuti's style is the use of direct pressing to extract the juice from the grapes, resulting in a particularly clean and fresh juice. Château Minuti is considered one of the best producers of rosé wines in Provence and France as a whole, and its wines have won many awards and recognitions from wine experts.