Rose wines also know as blush in North America and rosé in Europe is a pink colored wine made from the red grapes where the skin of the grapes is allowed to have contact with juices for a short period of time (i.e. till the juice has achieved some sufficient color) Then the process is continued as done for the white wine.

The style of the rose wine can vary widely which can range from light to full subtle flavors and from refreshing to assertive. New world rose wines are very try with aroma of riper fruit flavors. On the other hand the North American rose wines are sweet and they are referred as sweet rose wines or Blush.

Rose wines are typically made from Grenache grapes and it is made in number of countries. California is famous for the white zinfandel rose wine which is a trademark of blush wine made from the zinfandel grape. Rose wines are prepared from the following red grape varieties:

• Pinot Noir
• Syrah
• Grenache
• Merlot
• Malbec
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Tempranillo
• Sangiovese
• Zinfandel

France is the top producer of rose wine.

Rose wines are made in many different ways. Some winemakers crush the red grapes and leave the skin of the grape to have contact in with the juice to get some pinkish color. On the other hand some winemakers just add the white wine to the red wine to get more blush color.

Rose wines are best when they are served fresh and young. Only the complex version can age for 2 to 3 years. Rose wines can be served chilled around the temperature of about 8 to 12 degree Celsius or about 50 degree Fahrenheit.

Rose wines pair better with lighter Mediterranean fare, fruits, olives, and cured meats. They are not suitable for heavier dishes like steak. But they go well with hot dishes like skewered shrimp, pasta and vegetables. In short it can be said that rose wines are well appreciated on the cool libation for a hot day.