Kosher Rose Wine

Let’s get this out of the way right now, Rosé is not White Zinfandel, you can’t make a Rosé by blending red and white wines together (although some exceptions exist for French Champagne) and if you are hoping for bubblegum and cotton candy flavors, you will be sorely disappointed.

Rosé wines are actually made from red grapes.  Common varietals used to make Rosé include Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Syrah.  The style is dry and fruity, without the cloying sweetness you may have expected by looking at the glass. The reddish hue of the wines comes from the length of time the juice of the grapes remains in contact with the skin of the red wine grapes.

Rosé is naturally low in tannins, which makes it a great choice for people with allergies to red wines. A Rosé is best served chilled and is very food-friendly, so it is a welcome guest at a summer picnic or backyard barbeque.

Rosé is enjoying a renaissance in popularity over the past several years. A wine retail study conducted by The Nielsen Company in 2009 reported that U.S. retail sales of imported Rosé wines rose by 42 percent, compared with a less-than-five-percent increase in total retail sales of all table wines during the same period. In France, sales of Rosé now exceed sales of white wine!

Kosher winemakers are responding to this trend and have expanded their Rosé offerings in recent years. If you are ready to begin exploring the world of kosher Rosé you may want to try the

2006 Barkan Classic Shiraz Rosé (Israel) which has aromas of cherry, plums and honey and a dry, crisp finish.

2007 Galil Rosé (Israel) is a blend of 65% Sangiovese, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Syrah. This wine is dry and lively with attractive aromas of fresh strawberry, rose petals, citrus fruit and spices.

Mony Sunny Hills Rosé (Soreq Valley, Israel) is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and fermented in stainless steel, it has floral and fruity aromas and a long finish.

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2009 Lanzur Rosé (Chile) is an affordable, young wine with an intense fruity aroma featuring fresh herbs and citrus notes.

If you like something a little sweeter, try the

2008 Beckett’s Flat Five Stones Margaret River Rosé (Margaret River, Australia) showing off some ripe strawberry fruit with a pinch of spice and a lemony finish.

Don’t be afraid to think pink this summer and try some of the newest kosher Rosé selections available from your favorite wine shop!