Pink is the New White

Until recently, whenever I was sipping a pink wine, someone would comment, “I don't drink sweet wines.” Today the usual remark is, “Can I have some?”

In the past, those who were dismissive of pink wines likely had in mind white Zinfandel, the wildly popular pink/blush wine that is typically off-dry or sweet, made from the Zinfandel grape.

Now people are becoming more familiar with the dry rosé wines that are often served in place of white wines in warm weather. (People who know me are aware that I like dry, crisp wines in the summer.)

Pink, blush or rosé wine is made from red grapes that have limited contact with the red grape skins. Rosé can be produced anywhere in the world that red wine is made. In southern France it is typically made from Grenache and Cinsault grapes; further north in the Loire Valley one can find a rosé made from Pinot Noir.

Here are a few examples of dry rosé that I’ve recently enjoyed.

Rubentis Ameztoi Rosé, Txakolina, Spain, 2011: This wine is a slightly sparkling and provides a tickle on your tongue of sour cherry and rose petals. $24

La Croix du Prieur Rosé from Côtes de Provence, France, 2011: This vintage has ruby grapefruit tastes and a strawberry finish. $15

Sulauze Pomponette Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France, 2011: This wine has light orangey-pink color, very refreshing with strawberry, sour cherry and citrus. $16

Cuvée Juliette, La Ferme St. Pierre, Ventoux, France, 2011: A pleasant wine with ripe strawberries, blueberries and lime rind. $15

Domaine Ricard Le P’tit Rosé, Loire Valley, France, 2011: This wine bursts with fresh raspberries and an orange zest. $15

Curtis Heritage Rosé, Santa Barbara, California, 2011: This is full of raspberry, strawberry and cherry fruit. $16

Last but not least is Robert Sinskey’s Vin Gris from Los Carneros, California, which I wrote about in a recent post headlined “Sunshine and Wine.” $32