Pink Wines include rosés, blushes, and white zinfandel, and can be still or sparkling.
Rosé
Rosés (Rosado with Spanish Wine, Rosato with Italian Wine) are made from a variety of grapes. Basically a Rosé spends less time in contact with the skin of the grape it came from so it doesn’t have the same deep color as it would if it did. When a Rosé is produced the skins are thrown away instead of left in contact throughout the fermentation process like with red wines. The color of the wine can range from a light orange or pink to a near purple color depending on which grape varietals are used. The level of dryness also depends on the grape varietal. Rosés are produced all over the world. Rosé and White Zinfandel are NOT the same thing! Rosés tend to be dry to semi sweet whereas White Zinfandel is just sweet. Period. Serve chilled on a nice summer day.
Color
A pale red or pink color.
Pairing with Food
- Fresh dishes like salads
- Salmon
- Sushi
- Eggplant
- Squash/Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Porosciutto
- Well Rounded Charcuterie Board
Things To Avoid
- Fatty dishes
- Rich Red Meats
- Hearty Sauces
Fun Facts
Rosé (and other pink wines) are NOT made by mixing red and white wines together and is actually considered “illegal” in most areas of France (for winemakers…people on the street wouldn’t be arrested, just judged harshly).
National Rosé Day is June 9th!
White Zinfandel
White Zinfandel is a blush or pink colored wine. A lot of people assume that all pink wines are the same but White Zinfandel is much sweeter than a Rosé. It’s made from RED Zinfandel grapes, just as Rosé is made, with less time in contact with the grape skins. Typically sweet, though not as much as a Moscato, you’ll expect notes of sweet fruits like strawberries and melons. Serve chilled. Most will cost under $8, unless you go for that magnum and it’ll be just a little of $12.
Pairing with Food
- Fruit Salads
- Light Veggie Meals
- Grilled Salmon with Fruit Salsas
- Mild Cheeses
- Desserts
Things To Avoid
- Red Meats
- Stinky Cheese
Fun Facts
White Zinfandel was actually made on accident in the 1970’s by the Sutter Home family winery. In 1975 Sutter Home experienced “stuck fermentation” (yeast dies out before consuming all the sugar) making it the sweet wine that White Zin has become known for and consumed by the masses.
White Zin saved red Zin grapes from being destroyed throughout California to make room for more Chard, Cab, and Pinot grapes.