Rosé Revolution: The Elegance Winning Over Global Markets

Once considered merely as an “aperitif wine” or a seasonal novelty, rosé is now experiencing a renaissance, establishing itself as a wine category with its own identity, value, and commercial potential. Its growing popularity is far more than a trend — it's the result of a stylistic, oenological, and cultural evolution that is redefining the landscape of contemporary wine.

How Rosé Wine Is Made

Rosé wine is not simply a halfway point between white and red wine, but a product with its own specific winemaking techniques. Its delicate hues come from red-skinned grapes that are vinified with a very limited contact between skins and juice.

There are mainly three methods used to make rosé:

• Direct pressing, which produces the palest colors and the greatest finesse;

• Short maceration, allowing for a controlled extraction of color;

• Saignée, often used to concentrate red wines while yielding more structured rosés as a byproduct.

  
  

Depending on the grape variety, maceration time, region of production, and the winemaker’s style, the color of rosé can range from pale pink to vibrant coral or even brilliant cherry tones. While the color doesn't directly affect the quality or flavor, it does influence consumer perception. In markets like the U.S. and France, lighter-hued rosés are often seen as more elegant or premium.

The Italian Context: Growth and Identity

In Italy, rosé wines are gaining both market share and prestige. Regions such as Puglia, Abruzzo, Sicily, and Veneto are emerging as benchmarks for quality rosé production. Wines like Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Salice Salentino Rosato, and Chiaretto del Garda are emblematic of Italy’s rediscovery of its local rosé traditions — combining regional heritage with a modern touch.

In 2024, Italy earned global recognition when the Cannonau di Sardegna Nudo 2023 by Cantina Siddùra, based in the heart of Gallura, was awarded Best Rosé in the World at the “50 Great Rosé Wines of the World” competition in Barcelona.

While domestic consumption has traditionally been linked to warmer seasons, rosé is now becoming increasingly appreciated year-round. Meanwhile, international demand for Italian rosé — especially in the mid-to-high-end segment — is steadily rising.

The Global Market: Data and Trends

Rosé is at the center of a global boom. France leads global production with about 35% of total output, thanks in large part to Provence — a region whose rosés have become synonymous with elegance. Spain follows with around 20% of global production, while the United States, particularly California, plays an increasingly influential role. Italy, holding roughly 10%, continues to grow in prominence, standing out for stylistic variety and rising quality.

When it comes to consumption, France again takes the lead, drinking nearly one-third of the world’s rosé. The U.S. shows growing enthusiasm, while Germany and the UK remain key import markets.

In export terms, France dominates the premium rosé segment, Spain leads in volume exports, and Italy is carving out a space with structured, food-friendly rosés that express local terroirs and identities.

Conclusion: An Opportunity to Embrace

Rosé wine is no longer a niche or seasonal product — it's a fast-expanding category that demands technical expertise, stylistic awareness, and a global strategic vision.

For Italian producers, in particular, this represents a unique opportunity: to enhance the value of their territories, strengthen their international presence, and respond to a demand increasingly focused on authentic, high-quality, and identity-driven rosés.