Think Pink and Drink Rose Wines

When you think of the heaviness of good red wines, you only want to drink them in the winter. Now you want something light and refreshing, but before you settle for a crisp glass of Riesling, consider the delicate and subtle flavors of rose wines.

Often forgotten about, rose wines are the perfect choice during the spring and summer months. (But you can really drink them all year!) Known as rose, rosado in Spain, rosato in Italy, or simply blush, rose wines offer wine drinkers a delectable new choice when you can't choose between red or white. So how does rose wine get its beautiful pink color? Well, it all depends on the types of grapes used and how long the grape skins were in contact with the juice. Rose wines can range from soft hues to practically hot pink. Just about all rose wines are made from a red grape varietal, which includes Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel, just to name a few. The grapes can either be used by themselves or in a blend.

The specific grape varietal used is usually dependent on the country producing the wine. For example, a rose wine made in Spain will typically use Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. In the United States, we tend to use more Cabernet, Merlot, and Zinfandel. The juice is only allowed brief contact with the grape skins, but the longer the contact, the brighter the color. Long contact has resulted in orange-pink colors and hot pink. If you find a sparkling rose wine, this is the fruition of red and white grapes.

In terms of style, they can be sweet, off-dry, or bone dry. Rose wines are, not surprisingly, less subtle than red wines. You can usually taste strawberries, cherries, and raspberries with hints of citrus and watermelon undertones. Since they are more similar in taste and texture to white wines, they are best served chilled -making them ideal for this time of year. They are also very versatile when it comes to pairing with food. They are great with seafood and poultry, just like white wines, but they can still handle the steak in Surf 'n Turf. A bottle of blush wine also makes a perfect accompaniment to your picnic in the park. The delicate flavors and light body pair nicely with a sandwich, fruit, and potato or egg salad.

Rose wines have gotten a bad "rap" for years, but today more and more wine drinkers are thinking pink -and not just in the summer. Not every rose wine is as sweet as one might expect. They are just as versatile in flavor as red or white wine. When you can't decide whether to go with the red or the white, go with neither. Choose pink instead!

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com