Rose': The Drink of Kings

Often known as a girlie drink because it's so pretty in pink... 

It was the drink fit for kings and aristocrats.

Provence is a historical province of southeastern France. It is known for its vast fields of lavender, as well as known for being the oldest wine growing region in France. It was in 600 B.C. when the Greeks founded the area and introduced the first grape vines. 

The first wines to be made in Provence were Rosés, and by the end of the 20^th century, that lovely blushing wine would find its way to Walla Walla.                                                                                                       

Rosé – Rosato - Rosado, no matter in France, Italy, or Spain; the meanings are the same – pink. French-inspired Rosé wines are made from red grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, and Syrah; to name a few of the red grapes often used for Rosé wines, and even Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio), a white fleshed grape with a pinkish gray skin. In Italy their Rosato’s are typically produced from the popular red grapes, Sangiovese or Nebbiolo; and in Spain their Rosados are often produced from their widely grown red grape, Tempranillo.

And yes – to those who were entranced with the creation of “White Zinfandel,” a pink off-dry “blush” wine introduced in the mid-1970’s that would technically be considered a Rosé, and yes – it is made from the very dark red grape, Zinfandel. There are no pink or white Zinfandel grapes growing on the vines in California. 

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