“Real” Rose
08 Aug 2010 3 Comments
in Wine School
Pink is in!. Actually it always was but you weren’t. Hah, just kidding.
What we are talking is dry roses. The “Old World” Roses. They come from the south of Frances and Spain, mainly. The pink tinge comes from the grapes only being fermented a few days with skin contact. This also adds light tannins.
These are hot regions so they make these wine to be refreshing. White Zins from North America are sweet, cloying and not very refreshing, if at all. “Old World” Roses also go well with food. Most Euro’s have food when they drink…..anything.
If you would like to try a dry Rose (Granacha based) the best advise I can give you is this;
Think about what a young strawberry just ripening tastes like. The fruit flavor is there but the sugar is not yet developed. You also have acidity which White Zins lack. This acidity gives the wine it’s fresh appeal. Even better, try it on your patio with the sun blazing on your “melon”. May be snacking on some Tapas. Get the picture I am trying to paint here?
Go now and find that wine. Run even, don’t delay as the moment may pass and only you shall miss the experience. Or next time you are in your favorite Shop, search one out. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Cheers,
Norm
Aug 08, 2010 @ 22:16:14
I am curious to know why you describe White Zinfandels as not very refreshing. Even without much acidity, their sugar content can make them almost taste like a fruit punch which seems perfect on a hot summer day with a crisp fruit salad. Rosés are great for new wine drinkers as well since they are essentially made without those skins imparting harsh rich tannic flavors found in red wines.
After looking into it, I was surprized to find out that White Zinfandel is the 3rd most popular “varietal” in the United States, outselling Red Zinfandel 6:1 by volume.
I am personally not a fan of very sweet wines but I think it is perfect in some situations. Every wine has its place in the grand palate of flavors. My pantry is stocked with a White Zinfandel from California and a Rosado Garnacha from Spain!
…Just waiting for the sun to shine!
Cheers!
Aug 12, 2010 @ 15:52:08
A good refreshing fruit punch will contain natural acidity from the fruit itself, much like a refreshing wine will. White Zins can often contain massive amounts of raw sugar and some will even be made with “fruit extracts”. What these 2 additives do is create a taste for the “bubble gum chewing” market they are seeking. And it works! It’s not a bad thing, just not my thing.
White Zinfandels are also classified as red wines because they are. Any wine list that lists them in the white section is incorrect. So as to your “Fun Fact” of 6:1 is a twisted fact as White Zinfandel is a “style” and not a varietal. It is the Zinfandel Varietal which is related to the Primativo from the south of Italy. Probably brought to California with the earlier Italian settlers. Be careful where you get your facts. They can be misleading.
And please don’t group sweets wines into a single category. They style is vast. White Zinfandel and a German Spatlese are not in the same league. It is a common mistake made in the wine world. Once you learn the differences it will take you to another level in wine. It’s all part of learning about this wonderful hobby.
Once again the bottom line in wine is what ever you like is good. That is the most important “Fun Fact”.
cheers!
Aug 09, 2010 @ 00:30:02
Mateus is my favourite rose! Mmmmmmmmmmm.