Rose wine is also known as Blush wine. Rose wines are wines which are not actually red, but contain enough of reddish shade or tinge to make them surely not white. The color of rose wines varies depending on the grapes, additives and wine making techniques. Rose wines are made in a wide range of colors, from a vivid near purple to a pale orange. In the past, Rose wine was prepared by simply adding red wine to a white wine.

Rose wine can be prepared in multiple ways. It can be prepared in three major ways: - Skin contact, Saignee and Blending. In skin contact process, red grapes are crushed and the skins are allocated to linger in contact with the juice for a little period, typically three or four days. Then the grapes are pressed, and their skins are discarded. The skins consist much of the intense flavored tannin which gives a taste similar to a white wine. The more the skins are kept in contact with the juice, more is the strong color of the wine. Many winemakers produce rose wine as a by-product of red wine fermentation utilizing a process known as Saignee. Blending method is not preferred by many winemakers.

Rose wine is regarded as a dry and delicate wine. The popular rose wines are: - Red Bicyclette French Rose 2005, El Coto de Rioja Rosado 2005, V. Sattui’s 2005 Gamay Rouge, Folonari Pink Pinot Grigio 2005, 2005 A to Z Oregon Rose, Bonny Doon 2005 Vin Gris de Cigare etc. Rose wine is prepared from varieties of red grapes such as: - Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel etc.

> Hot and dull summer days, family outings, long vacation all call for rose wine. Rose wines are very refreshing wines. It is best when served chilled and goes well with light foods such as- pasta salads, vegetable salads, cold grilled chicken, marinated fish, chicken salad sandwiches, pizzas etc.
United States wines are generally sweet and European wines are dry. In California, Zinfandel rose wine is very popular.
Though rose wines were unpopular for a certain span of time; many winemakers are currently turning once again to produce this summertime favorite.