Rose
French for "pink" or "rose-colored," used in the wine world to refer to wines of this color. Except for rosé CHAMPAGNES, rosé wines are usually (always in France) made from red grapes. However, contrary to the normal process of making red wine, the skins are removed almost immediately, generally within 2 to 3 days. This brief skin contact gives the wine its light pink color. However, it's also the reason that rosés lack the body and character of most red wines. In addition to being very light-bodied (see BODY), most rosés are generally slightly sweet. In France, rosé champagnes can be made with a little red wine added to the white-wine CUVÉE prior to the SECONDARY FERMENTATION-an exception to the red-grape-only rule. Excellent French rosé wines come from TAVEL and ANJOU. In the United States the term BLUSH WINE has all but replaced that of "rosé."

Type of Grape: Zinfandel
Food Pairings: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Shrimp with Romesco, Grilled Pork, Hotdogs
Cheese Pairing: St. Andre
Sweet or Dry: Sweet


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