Rose(roe-ZAY) A Rose by Any Other Name Technically, a rose is an "unfinished red wine," but the term seems so- secondary. Rose is a different sort of wine, with all the refreshing qualities of a white wine mixed with some characteristics of a red. It can be made from many different grape varietals and in many different regions, the most popular and successful being Southern
France,
Spain,
California &
Italy.
Notable Facts
Rose is a wine that goes through the red winemaking process, but is stopped before extracting too many red wine characteristics, a process called saignee. Almost always made from red varietals, the grapes are pressed and the juice sits with the skins for fermentation - but just for a little while - enough time to get a bit of color and a bit of the skin characteristics. Then fermentation continues as a white wine, most often in stainless steel. Roses are typically ready to drink early - not so much to age. Some popular regions of Rose are Tavel (an AOC for ONLY rose wines in the Rhone area of France), other areas of Southern France, Spain, Italy and California. Almost all regions make rose, and many from different grape varieties (Grenache-based in Spain, France, Australia and South Africa; Sangiovese or Nebbiolo in Italy). Just like red and white wines, roses can be of different styles - sweet or dry, dark or light - the winemaker and grape variety (or varieties as roses are often blended) are key. Pink wines have delicious character and are perfect for food. For dryer styles of Rose, try those from Southern France and Spain, for the sweeter styles, look for White Zinfandel and some other California rose makers.
Summing it up
Successful Sites: Southern France, Spain, Italy, California
Common Descriptors: strawberry, raspberry