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 20th 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.