With the coming of spring in the Northern Hemisphere – and, we trust warm weather, it’s time to think “pink.” Pink? Yes, pink. As we’re fond of saying in these programs, pink wines are no longer just for the ladies.

Europeans along the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Naples have long known about delightful, refreshing rosé (rosay) wines that are dry, flavorful, and light-bodied.

While the standard for these style of wines has been Provence in the south of France, delicious rosés also come from Italy, Greece, Spain, and now from the United States.

For most Americans, the first sample of a pink wine was the misnamed white Zinfandel, the result of an effort to make a white wine from a red wine grape that just refused to surrender all its color. To the Europeans, white Zinfandel was just too insipid and too sweet.

For years, though, the American palate has always favored sweetness. Over time, as the palate turned dry, the American pinks have also become dryer and American receptivity to the European rosés grew. Today’s rosés are being made from both the traditional rosé grapes – Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsaut as well as the better known classic Cabernets and Merlots.

Not only are these rosés ideal for hot weather drinking, they will pair with almost any food. On the video, Brad Wallace, Fine Wine Director at Sahara Mart, will tell us more about pink wines.

Be sure to watch the video at right featuring Dr. Allen Dale 'Ole' Olson and Brad Wallace, fine wine director at Sahara Mart, Bloomington, IN »