A Comprehensive Guide To Some Of Spain’s Best Rosé Wines

Spain is the second largest producer of rosé wine and dominates the lower priced segment. Its market has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by changing consumer preferences and increased interest in diverse wine styles. Rosé wine, known for its refreshing taste and versatile pairing options, has become a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide.

This feature is the second of a seven-part series exploring the major rosé wine-producing regions of the world. This installment will look at Spain’s main rosé wine-producing regions along with tasting notes on recommended wines.

The demand for rosé wine has surged globally, with a notable increase in production and consumption in key wine-producing regions of France, Spain, and Italy. These countries lead the market in terms of production volume and exports.

Rosé wine has gained popularity among younger consumers and millennials, who appreciate its vibrant color, approachable taste, and the lifestyle image it projects. Social media and marketing campaigns have also played a significant role in boosting its appeal.

Various methods are used to produce these wines, including direct pressing, light maceration, and saignée. Each method contributes to different flavor profiles and intensities, catering to diverse consumer tastes.

Stylistically, rosé wines typically feature red berries, along with floral elements, citric notes, and, sometimes, stone fruit flavors. Some can also exhibit a wet stone minerality. The specific red berry notes and their intensity vary depending on the producer, their production methods, and their choice of grape varietal.

Acidity can be quite pronounced in rosé wines produced in cool-climate regions and much more muted in wines from warm-climate areas. Likewise, tannic backbones can vary from quite noticeable, almost red wine-like structure to barely evident. Colors can range from nearly clear to deep red. Although there is no standard definition of what constitutes a rosé wine, the term is generally applied to wines from red grapes vinified as white grapes and exposed to minimal skin contact.

In the United States, the rosé wine market has expanded rapidly, with double-digit growth rates in both sales volume and value over the past few years, although both sales and volume growth have been moderating. This growth is attributed to increased consumer awareness and the introduction of high-quality domestic rosé wines.

Spain’s Main Rosé Wines Producing Regions

Rioja

Rioja, located in north-central Spain, is one of the country’s most renowned wine regions. It is famous for its red wines but produces elegant and balanced rosés. The region benefits from a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates. The soils consist of clay-limestone, clay-ferrous, and alluvial loams. The principal grape varieties are Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Viura.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas Muga, Muga Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of strawberries, red currants, and citrus. The palate is fresh and crisp, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Marqués de Cáceres, Marqués de Cáceres Rosado

It is light pink, with aromas of red berries and a hint of floral notes. The taste is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Franco-Españolas, Rioja Bordón Rosado

It is bright pink and has aromas of raspberries, cherries, and slightly herbal. The palate is medium-bodied, with refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Faustino, Faustino V Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of strawberries, peaches, and a hint of citrus. The taste is fresh and lively, with a crisp finish.

CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), Viña Real Rosado

Pale pink with aromas of red berries and floral notes. The palate is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a long finish.

Navarra

Navarra, located just north of Rioja, is known for its diverse wine styles, including excellent rosés. The region has a varied climate with Atlantic, Continental, and Mediterranean influences. The soils consist of limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal grape varieties are Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas Chivite, Gran Feudo Rosado

Bright pink with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of floral notes. The palate is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Ochoa, Ochoa Rosado de Lagrima

It is pale pink and has aromas of red berries, citrus, and herbs. The taste is fresh and vibrant, with a crisp finish.

Bodegas Inurrieta, Mediodía Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of spice. The palate is light and refreshing, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Julián Chivite, Las Fincas Rosado

It is pale pink and has aromas of raspberries, red currants, and floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with a refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Nekeas, Nekeas Rosado

It is bright pink, with aromas of red berries and citrus. The palate is fresh and lively, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Catalonia

Catalonia, located in northeastern Spain, is a diverse wine region known for its sparkling Cava and still wines, including flavorful rosés. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate. The soils are limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal grape varieties are Garnacha, Trepat, and Pinot Noir.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Freixenet, Cordon Rosado Cava

Light pink with fine bubbles and aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is elegant, with a refreshing acidity and a long, creamy finish.

Codorníu, Anna de Codorníu Rosé

Pale pink, it has a fine mousse and aromas of red fruits and floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with balanced acidity and a smooth finish.

Raventós i Blanc, De Nit Rosé

Light pink, it has delicate bubbles and aromas of strawberries, cherries, and a touch of herbs. The palate is fresh and lively, with a crisp finish.

Gramona, Gran Reserva Rosé

Pale pink with fine bubbles and aromas of red berries, peach, and floral notes. The taste is elegant, with a balanced acidity and a long, refreshing finish.

Parés Baltà, Ros de Pacs

It is bright pink, with aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is light and refreshing, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Castilla-La Mancha

Castilla-La Mancha, located in central Spain, is one of the largest wine regions in the country. It produces a wide range of wines, including robust reds and refreshing rosés. The soils consist of limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal grape varieties are Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Bobal.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas Volver, Tarima Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Ponce, Clos Lojen Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of red berries, floral notes, and a touch of spice. The taste is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Ontañón, Vetiver Rosado

It is bright pink and has aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of herbs. The palate is fresh and lively, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Almanseñas, La Huella Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with a refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Finca La Estacada, Rosado de Tempranillo

It is bright pink, with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero, located in northern Spain, is known for its robust red wines and elegant rosés. The region benefits from a Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The soils consist of limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal grape varieties are Tempranillo and Garnacha.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas Protos, Protos Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Pago de los Capellanes, Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and refreshing, with a refreshing acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Emilio Moro, Finca Resalso Rosado

It is bright pink, with aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of herbs. The palate is fresh and lively, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Alejandro Fernández, Dehesa La Granja Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with a refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, Rosae Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Penedès

Penedès, located in Catalonia, is known for its sparkling Cava and still wines, including aromatic rosés. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate. The soils consist of limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal red grape varieties are Garnacha, Trepat, and Pinot Noir.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Torres, De Casta Rosado

It is bright pink, with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and lively, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Albet i Noya, Curiosa Rosat

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a long finish.

Jean Leon, 3055 Rosé

Light pink with aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of herbs. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with a balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Freixenet, Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut Rosé

Light pink with a delicate mousse and aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is elegant, with a refreshing acidity and a long, creamy finish.

Somontano

Somontano, located in northeastern Spain, is a small but notable wine region known for its innovative and high-quality wines, including flavorful rosés. The region experiences a Continental climate. The soils feature limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal red grape varieties are Garnacha, Syrah, and Tempranillo.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas Enate, Enate Rosado

It is bright pink, with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Sommos, Sommos Rosé

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Viñas del Vero, Viñas del Vero Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of cherries, strawberries, and slightly herbal. The palate is fresh and lively, with balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Pirineos, Rosado

It is bright pink and has aromas of red fruits, citrus, and a touch of spice. The palate is light and refreshing, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Laus, Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a hint of floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Rueda

Rueda, located in the heart of Castilla y León, is primarily known for its white wines but also produces fresh and vibrant rosés. The region benefits from a Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The soils consist of gravel, clay, and limestone. The principal red grape varieties are Tempranillo and Verdejo. Verdejo is a white grape varietal often used to craft rosé wines.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas Protos, Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Marqués de Riscal, Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light

It is bright pink and has aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of herbs. The palate is fresh and lively, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas José Pariente, Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with a refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Belondrade, Quinta Apolonia Rosado

Light pink, it has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Utiel-Requena

Utiel-Requena, located in the Valencia region, is known for its robust red wines and fresh, fruity rosés. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with Continental influences. The soils feature limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal grape varieties are Bobal, Tempranillo, and Garnacha.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas Mustiguillo, Mestizaje Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Dominio de la Vega, Bobal Rosado

Bright pink with aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Coviñas, Enterizo Rosado

Light pink with aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of herbs. The palate is fresh and lively, with a balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Aranleón, Solo Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with a refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Vegalfaro, Caprasia Rosado

It is bright pink, with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Cigales

Cigales, located in Castilla y León, is known for its robust red wines and aromatic rosés. The region benefits from a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The soils are a mix of limestone, clay, and sandy loams. The principal grape varieties are Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Verdejo.

Major Producers and Recommended Wines:

Bodegas César Príncipe, Hiriart Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Sinforiano, Rosado

It is light pink and has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and refreshing, with a balanced acidity and a crisp finish.

Bodegas Frutos Villar, Calderona Rosado

It is bright pink and has aromas of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of herbs. The palate is fresh and lively, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Finca Museum, Real Rosado

Pale pink, it has aromas of red berries, citrus, and a touch of floral notes. The taste is light and crisp, with a refreshing acidity and a long finish.

Bodegas Ovidio García, Ovidio García Rosado

It is bright pink, with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with balanced acidity and a long finish.

These regions, producers, and wines showcase the diversity and quality of Spain’s rosé wine production. Each area brings unique characteristics, offering wine enthusiasts a broad spectrum of flavors and styles to explore.

See also A Comprehensive Guide to Italy’s Rosé Wines