Rose' or Blush

[Floandgary]

Would like to do a good Rose' but don't see any buckets out there right now. Instead could anyone recommend a tasty Blush blend? I was considering 'sperimenting with a Sangiovese/Sauvignon-blanc combo. They are fine as stand-alone so no loss. Any thoughts???

 

[Runningwolf]

I can't imagine any pale of juice keeping that color. I had the most beautiful Cab Franc Rose. But after a few rackings and cold stabilizing it's a white so now I will have to blend something back into it to get that Rose' color back.

 

[Julie]

Sorry Gary I haven't done a blush but I think you are on the right track. Do you have any ratios in mind?

 

[REDBOATNY]

What is the difference between a blush and Rose'. Just curious.

 

[Runningwolf]

It would be the intensity of the color. I was just looking at a chart the other day showing and explaing the colors of each wine and how they look as they get old. I was actually thinking of getting the poster. It was from a place I think called wine follies but not positive on that.

 

[hobbyiswine]

I think the terms have been used interchangeably but blush (as I know it) is typically a white wine blended with some red to give it a pink color where as a rose' is from a red grape that is fermented on the skins for a short time to extract some color then pressed within a few hours or days and is typically of one varietal. The color is not necessarily an indicator of blush vs rose'. I have had a syrah rose' that was so light pink it was almost white and another that was so dark pink it seemed almost closer to a red. Most often blush wines tend to be on the sweater side and rose' on the dry side but there is no rule regarding sweetness. I like them all

 

[Runningwolf]

Great explanation Hobby, thanks.

 

[Floandgary]

Alrighty then! did not think about color fading. A fix for that might be to "drink up!!".. As far as a ratio,,I have no clue. Thats where the 'sperement comes in LOL.. In reading up on this subject the line "a Rose can be called a blush, but a blush can never be called a Rose" was impressed on me. As Hobby said it's all about how the wine comes by it's color.
Anyway, this is still in the planning stage, so I will update when the time comes. Thanks all for input

 

[JohnT]

OK,

So I know that some folks simply like a rose or blush. I would, however, like to let my own tastes dictate the following advice. If you are "on the fence" over rose, then continue reading. If you are a big fan of rose, then please disreguard this posting...

I would advise you (in the strongest way possible) to NOT make a rose. If I understand things, you plan on blending a San Gio with a Sav Blanc. These wines are so wonderful on their own that I am afraid that blending would only produce something far worse.

A san gio is such a classic red that it can rival the best of the French vinifera. When all goes well, San Gio yields a soft, subtile, wine that offers a wide variety of complex flavors and a great tannic structure.

Sav Blanc yeilds a very sharp, light, and crisp wine. It is (IMHO) the polar opposite of a san gio.

Why blend them?? I know that there is a spirit of experimentation, but why make the effort to avoid making a classic red and a classic white to, instead, end up with a rose? If it were me, I would make a sav blanc, and a San Gio sepperately. If you are truly curious, you can always blend them together later as a bench test.

I would at least recommend that you choose differently in the grapes you have selected. I would replace the Sav Blanc (one of the most acidic white grapes) with one that is much softer (say a riesling). The Sav Blanc (being so acidic) would bring sharpness and crispness to your rose that is not really what most people look for.

Again, this is only my opinion and I am not saying that other opinions are any less valid. I hope that I did not offend anyone here as this was not my intent.

 

[Floandgary]

John,,, not to worry!! That's the intent of posting here in the first place. ANY and ALL input to the void between my ears is welcomed. A post vintning blending is my intent. I do agree that they are wunnerful on their own. But not knowing the deep particulars of each, I appreciate the recommendation of a Reisling. Progress I say!!! Even before the vino, I now enjoy several filled brain cells HaHa! Keep it coming

 

[saramc]

There is an area winery here that markets a 'rose', blend of concord and diamond. My all time favorite semisweet wine.
The comment about the syrah rose made me go look if I had a bottle of Montes Cherub left, sadly no, really would taste great right now. Guess I will be cruising the liquor/winemaking supply store tomorrow.