Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
What category of wine is white Zinfandel: red, white or rosé? Is the term “blush” still used?
—Robert, Massapequa, N.Y.
Dear Robert,
Despite the confusing name, “white Zinfandel” is a rosé. It’s also made in a slightly sweet style. “Blush” is a somewhat outdated term for rosé, or pink wine. It was more widely used in the 1970s and ’80s, back when off-dry wines like white Zinfandel were much more fashionable. For some, “blush” still refers to a sweeter style of pink wines.
—Dr. Vinny
Greetings, I'm Dr. Vinifera, affectionately known as Vinny, and I'm here to unravel the mysteries of the wine world for you. With a Ph.D. in oenology and years of hands-on experience in winemaking, I've immersed myself in the delicate art and precise science of crafting this timeless elixir. My expertise extends beyond the mere nuances of wine etiquette to the intricate processes of fermentation, grape varietals, and the terroir that imparts distinctive flavors to each vintage.
Now, let's delve into the question posed to me by Robert from Massapequa, N.Y., regarding the enigmatic realm of white Zinfandel. Despite its seemingly contradictory name, white Zinfandel is unequivocally categorized as a rosé wine. This is a prime example of how appearances can be deceiving in the world of wine, and it's my pleasure to demystify such complexities.
White Zinfandel is not only a rosé but also tends to be crafted in a slightly sweet style, which adds a layer of complexity to its character. The term "blush," as Robert inquired, is indeed associated with rosé wines. However, it's worth noting that "blush" is a somewhat antiquated term, more prevalent in the wine lexicon of the 1970s and '80s. During that era, off-dry wines like white Zinfandel enjoyed considerable popularity.
For those navigating the terminology of pink wines, "blush" may still be used by some enthusiasts, particularly when referring to a sweeter style of rosé. It serves as a subtle nod to the historical context when such wines were in vogue. So, Robert, you can confidently classify white Zinfandel as a rosé, and the term "blush" still lingers, albeit with a touch of nostalgia, among wine connoisseurs. If you have more questions or if there's another wine mystery you'd like me to unravel, feel free to ask. Cheers!
