Pink Wines

Deep in the hearts of most hardened wine lovers lies a passion for pink wines, though it usually doesn't come up for discussion unless the subject is broached in trusted company. Lucky for me I tend not to discriminate when it comes to vino and I am more than happy to try most wines! Having said that I can admit that I did not like pink wines prior to our move to the UK. Yes, I had tried White Zinfandel—not for me.

But, after moving across the pond I reluctantly tried pink wine again, this time a French Tavel. Tavel is the only official appellation in all of France (and probably all of the world) that produces nothing but rosé. Tavel wine is darker in color than the rosé of Provence – somewhere between orange and bright pink – and correspondingly fuller in body and flavor.

After a bottle of Tavel I was hooked. I took a few wine courses and began to read up on these pink varieties. So what did I learn? For starters, most pink wines are considered suitable for picnics and light lunches and unfairly associated with blush Zinfandel. Only rarely will some daring but knowledgeable soul order a bottle of good, dry Spanish rosado, French rosé or Italian rosato to accompany a more elaborate meal.

I am happy to report that I was that daring soul and ordered rosado with every meal while in Spain! Never once was I disappointed. Indeed, these brilliantly hued Spanish jewels, which are unequivocally among the world's best rosé wines, run the spectrum from the palest salmon to deep ruby and offer fresh, clean, aromas of cherry or raspberry. The best Spanish rosados do not possess any of the pronounced bubble-gum scents that characterize many modern rosés.

So, if presented with the opportunity, be rebellious and order a bottle of delicious pink wine with dinner.