If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of a wine shelf, pondering the difference between a Rosé and a Blush, you’re not alone. Though similar in appearance, these wines offer distinct taste profiles and production methods. To clear up the confusion, let’s dive into the captivating world of these pink-hued wines and uncover what sets them apart.
Rosé Wines
Rosé wines are typically dry and known for their delicate, crisp, and refreshing characteristics. Made from a wide variety of red grape varietals, the color of Rosé can range from a pale, ‘onion-skin’ hue to a vibrant pink, depending on how long the grape skins were in contact with the juice during the winemaking process.
The skins are usually left to macerate with the juice for a few hours to a few days, and this brief contact gives Rosé its signature pink hue. Rosé wines can express a broad palette of flavors, from fresh and floral to bright and fruity, depending on the grape variety and winemaking techniques used.
Blush Wines
Blush wines, on the other hand, are typically semi-sweet to sweet and are made predominantly from Zinfandel grapes in the United States. The term “blush” started gaining popularity in the U.S. in the late 20th century, with the rise of White Zinfandel, a sweet, pink-colored wine.
The winemaking process for blush wines is similar to Rosé, with the grape skins briefly contacting the juice to achieve the desired color. However, the fermentation process is halted earlier for blush wines, leaving residual sugar that contributes to their sweeter flavor profile.
Bogati’s Signature Blush
At Bogati Winery, we’ve crafted our first pink wine, the Bogati Blush, a delightful blend of Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc. This relatively sweet wine offers a jammy, fruit-forward flavor with notes of grapefruit and pineapple.
Upon tasting, your palate is greeted with a touch of sweetness, leading to a delicate, aromatic and flavorful finish, marked by crisp strawberry and black cherry. The Bogati Blush is a delightful example of how blush wines, while typically sweeter, can showcase complexity and depth in their flavor profile.
In conclusion, while Rosé and Blush wines share a similar hue, they offer different flavor profiles, sweetness levels, and often use different grape varietals. Whether you prefer the dry sophistication of a Rosé or the sweet allure of a Blush, there’s a pink wine out there for every palate. Cheers to finding your perfect pour! ????