Grapes varieties & Rosé: Berries That See It All
Xavier Courpotin- May 16
- 5 min read
Before the First Sip: A Rosé-y Prologue
At On The Cusp, we like our rosés the way we like our friends: full of character, a little wild, and always up for a party. But before they land in your glass, rosé wines are shaped by a gang of grapes that make all the difference. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and other icons of cool: today we’re giving you a backstage pass to the grape squad, flavor profiles, sun-kissed origins, and a few juicy terroir secrets. Spoiler: there’s more to life than just Provence rosé (though we wouldn’t mind summering there).
Rosé & Its Grapes: A No-Tannin Breakdown
Rosé wine is the shapeshifter of the vineyard. Not red, not white, then On the cusp, quite literally (we’ll just leave that little name drop right there). It borrows a bit from both and turns up in the glass wearing its finest light pink glow. There are a few ways to make rosé: direct pressing for something pale and crisp, maceration or saignée for a juicier style (drama alert), or blending, which is tightly regulated in Europe, by the way. But behind the fancy techniques is the real star of the show: the grape.We’re talking dark-skinned grapes with white juice (yep, that’s a thing), that after a short soak give rosé its iconic blush. But not all grapes play in the same league. Each variety brings its own vibe, bold fruit, floral whispers, spicy twists, or a kiss of herbaceous freshness. Picking the right grape is like casting your favorite Netflix series: get it right and it’s binge-worthy, but always drink responsibly, you know the drill.
The A-List Grapes varieties & Rosé Wine
Grenache: Sunshine in a Bottle
Born in Spain (shout-out to Catalonia), Grenache set down roots in Southern France and never looked back. It’s one of the most widely planted grapes in the world, reigning supreme in Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. Originally just dark-skinned, it now comes in grey and white too. In rosé, Grenache delivers pale pink wines with ripe strawberry, cherry, and even (yes, we’re going there) English candy notes. The grey version brings citrus vibes (grapefruit, clementine) with a peppery kick (basically On The Cusp in a magnum). Think round, warm, and soaked in sunshine.
Cinsault: The Provençal Poet
With a troubadour name and a light touch, Cinsault is the grape of finesse. A darling of Provence, it brings floral, tender, easy-going rosés like a breeze wafting through a Côte d’Azur terrace. Expect white flowers, crisp red berries, and an ultra-smooth flow. Ideal for poolside lounging or deep apéro debates. And yes, we love Provence too, especially when it comes with rosé.
Syrah: The Spicy Rebel
Syrah brings the spice and a little edge. Grown best in the Rhône Valley, this one gives rosé wines a bit more bite. Whether solo or blended, it adds structure, deeper color, and attitude. Look for dark fruit, grilled pepper, smoky meat, and even a touch of violet or wild strawberry. It’s the grape with a leather jacket. If rosé had a rock side, it’d be called Syrah.
Mourvèdre: Bandol’s Heavyweight Hero
Mourvèdre is the heavyweight champ of the Mediterranean. Mainly grown around Bandol, this grape builds full-bodied, structured rosés that can age like fine reds. Expect deep complexity, think leather, truffle, and a generous, mouth-filling texture. Usually blended to give backbone to southern reds and rosés. Best enjoyed with a proper meal or a philosophical debate about cheese.
Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon: The Northern Cousins
From the Loire Valley to the South-West, Cabernet Franc is royalty in Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. Cabernet Sauvignon, meanwhile, has long ruled the Médoc. Together, they bring fresh, green-tinged elegance to rosé. Franc adds grace and a light herbal touch; Sauvignon brings structure and sharp acidity. In harmony, they hit all the right notes.
Pinot Noir: Pure Elegance
Yes, it’s found in Oregon and California (Provence’s long-lost American cousin), but Pinot Noir is the crown jewel of the Loire and Burgundy where it makes some of the world’s finest wines (hello Romanée-Conti). Also adored in Champagne. In rosé, it’s all refinement: light, silky, cherry and wild strawberry notes, sometimes a floral flourish. This is rosé in a three-piece suit: classy, discreet, and sneakily seductive.
Vermentino (aka Rolle): The Italian Stage Crasher (or Corsican)
Originally Italian, Vermentino thrives in warm southern French vineyards (think Languedoc, Corsica). It’s a true Mediterranean sun lover. In Corsica it’s a star; in Provence, it’s known as Rolle and often pops up in blends. Expect pear aromas and those cool, aniseed notes like fennel. It wraps with a touch of bitterness and a hint of minerality. Unexpected but unforgettable.
Tibouren: The Magic Outsider
This ancient Provençal grape is borderline mystical. Cult domaines like Clos Cibonne swear by it. Tibouren makes complex, slightly oxidative rosés that ooze personality. This is rosé for the quiet intellectual who reads Seneca on a hillside while vibing to some jazz. Elitist? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
Terroirs, Winemakers… and Rosés
Because a grape without terroir is like a DJ without decks, let’s talk soil and climate. In Provence, schist soils and abundant sun produce pale, aromatic rosés. In Languedoc-Roussillon, it’s all about generosity, juicy, fruit-forward styles often starring Grenache, Cinsault, or Syrah.In the Loire, freshness is king thanks to Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Down in the South-West, you get bolder rosés with Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon doing the heavy lifting.Climate is the ultimate referee, sun, rain, wind, humidity... each region shapes its grapes differently. Even the angle of a hill can change things up. Add climate change into the mix and winemakers are in for some serious adaptability training.Now, stir in a dash of mistral wind, a pinch of altitude, and a few passionate hands, and what do you get ? On The Cusp – The Wine4friends ! Born in the French Occitania, in the dreamy Hérault Valley near Montpellier, this is a 100% Grenache Gris rosé. Citrus notes (grapefruit, clementine), a spicy pepper twist. It’s fresh, balanced, and ready to light up your summers… and winters too.
And Elsewhere, How’s Rosé Made ?
Rosé knows no borders (especially not around apéro o’clock), so let’s go global. In Italy, Sangiovese makes dry, elegant rosés, particularly in Tuscany. Spain’s Tempranillo crafts fleshy, fruit-packed rosados. In the US, Zinfandel often shows up as sweet white zin (we won’t judge), while in Australia, Shiraz goes full-throttle, delivering punchy rosés that flirt with red.
The result ? A wild mix of styles, sometimes weird, always worth tasting even if we do have a soft spot for anything that speaks with a southern accent.
The Final Word (and a glass of Rosé in Hand)
Rosé grapes are as diverse as your summer playlists. Each has its own groove, charm, and character. From juicy fruit bombs to airy florals, from poolside crushables to cellar-worthy gems, there’s a whole rosé world to explore. And the best way to dive in ? A chilled bottle, a table full of friends, and of course, a frosty magnum of On The Cusp, the IGP Saint-Guilhem-Le-Désert (Languedoc) rosé that never chooses between fun and flair.
Cheers, get the vibes, we bring the wine !
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