Blush or Rose Wines
| Rosé
| Zinfandel, White
Rosé
Description:
From the French word “rosé” meaning “pink” or “rose-colored”. A true vin rosé is made from the fermentation of red or black grapes. After two or three days, the clear “must” (i.e., the grape juice) begins to redden as a result of the alcohol that has broken down and drawn out the pigmentation in the skins. This process gives the wine its characteristic pink hue. Once the proper color has been attained, the must is drawn off. Compounds created from white wine to which a measure of red wine has been added in order to provide color are not considered genuine rosé wines and this practice is outlawed in France and other countries.
Notable rosé wines from France are Tavel which is made principally from the Grenache grape and Rosé de Marsannay made from the Pinot Noir grape. In addition, many popular rosé wines are produced in California and Portugal. Best served well-chilled as aperitifs, Rosé wines, as a rule, should be drunk when young.
Type:
Rosé or BlushRegions:
France,California and InternationalTemp:
50.Optimal Age:
2-10Characteristics:
Dry to Sweet.Appropriate Foods:
Salads, fruit, paella, Middle Eastern dishes.
Zinfandel, White
Description:
Zinfandel is an inexpensive (usually) red or blush wine (both made from the Zinfandel grape) that can range in taste from sharp and full-bodied to smooth with earthy qualities. It may have originated in North America. White Zinfandel, an inappropriate name for a Rosé or Blush wine, has become very popular.Type:
Red or Blush VarietalRegions:
CaliforniaTemp:
60-63Optimal Age:
3-10+Characteristics:
Fruity, adaptable grape, sometimes metallic in flavor.Appropriate Foods:
Turkey, light game, ratatouille, stews, casseroles for red; picnics and other light food for white.

