Rosé, Blush and Pink Wines

Wednesday, August 18th, 2021

Is it Rosé, Blush or a Pink wine? All are correct. They can be used universally.

Rosé has exploded on the US market over the past few years, especially during the warm summer months. In France, it now eclipses the sale of white wine. Rosé has become so popular that many celebrities are even producing it, from Drew Barrymore to John Legend to Sting…even Jon Bon Jovi is making the stuff, as his family took cases of it to the Hampton’s each year. So, just what makes it so popular and how is it made?

 

How does Rosé get its pink color?

Unlike white grapes that become white wine, and red grapes that become red wine, pink grapes don’t exist in nature; so, how do winemakers create a style of wine that always has such a beautiful pink color?

The answer here is skin contact. When all grapes, no matter their color, are juiced, the juice that runs out of the fruit is clear. Wines receive their color not from the juice but from the juice’s contact with the skin of the grapes. As the skins and the juice soak together the color from the skin bleeds into the juice, giving the wine its yellow or red color. This process is known as maceration.

Winemakers create a Rosé wine by juicing red grapes and then allowing the juice to soak with the skins for a very short period, usually only two to three days. As soon as the juice begins to take on the beautiful pink color the winemaker desires, the skins are removed and the juice is allowed to ferment, creating Rosé.

A less popular way to make Rosé is to mix Red and White wines. This style is often called a Blush.

 

What Should a Rosé Look and Taste Like?

A Rosé’s color does not directly correlate with its taste. “Darker rosés may have more body than paler Rosés, which could be appealing to those who prefer red wines,” says Doug Bell, the Atlanta-based global beverage buyer for Whole Foods Market. “But often paler blush wines have surprisingly complex aromas and flavors that can linger long after you’ve taken a sip.” In both styles, sweetness varies. Some bottles are bone-dry, while others have a slightly sweet finish.

 

What Foods Should I Pair a Rosé With?

Rosés are some of the most versatile wines, thanks to their bright acidity and lack of tannins (the mouth-drying flavor compounds found in red wines). One big factor to consider is whether the wine is sweet or not. Dry Rosés often work best with lighter dishes, like fish, grilled chicken and vegetables, charcuterie, and salads. Some find that dry Rosés struggle to compete with heavier fare, like roasts and rich sauces. Sweeter Rosés work with a wider range of foods. “Sweetness helps to put out the fire in spicy food, de-emphasize the saltiness in salty foods, and balance smoky flavors,” says Steven Kolpan, a professor, and the chair of wine studies at the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, New York., which means that these Rosés are great paired with barbecue. One thing that most experts agree on: Rosés don’t play as well with desserts. Sweet foods can highlight the alcohol in the wine and make it taste bitter or flat.

 

How Do You Know If a Rosé Is Sweet or Dry? And What About Bubbles?

Sweetness is revealed only by tasting or by asking the salesperson. And some Rosés, even non-sparkling ones, may have a bit of effervescence, thanks to carbon dioxide that is trapped from the fermentation process. “That bit of bubble can compensate for a lack of acidity, making the wine more refreshing and your mouth water, so you crave another sip,” says Kolpan.

 

How Do You Serve Rosé?

Rosé should be served cold—50 to 60 degrees. The best way to chill rosé is to place it in the fridge immediately after buying it; however, if you buy the wine the same day you want to drink it, either leave it in the fridge for several hours, or you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. That should do the trick!  After opening the bottle and pouring everyone their first glass, let the bottle sweat on the table, as the wine’s aromas and character changes slightly as the temperature rises.

 

Heart of the Desert Rosés

Heart of the Desert sells two Rosés, White Zinfandel and Pistachio Rosé. Our White Zinfandel is a moderately sweet wine that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The nose hints at strawberries and rose petals. The crisp white peach and melon flavors will tickle your taste buds. Our white zinfandel is an approachable easy drinking wine. Pair with light, fresh meals, or your favorite cheese. Our Pistachio Rosé, New Mexico's first pistachio flavored wine, is a blend of red and white grape juice. This semi-sweet, spirited wine has the subtle, nutty flavor of pistachios. Many say it reminds them of a cream soda.
This wine is available only at Heart of the Desert.

 

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico.  They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines.  Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings.  They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts.  The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.