How Does White Zinfandel Compare to Rosé?

One is a favorite at brunches and on Instagram feeds, while the other is often dismissed by true wine enthusiasts. But what exactly sets white Zinfandel apart from rosé? After all, both are pink wines.

Rosé vs White Zinfandel

The methods for making rosé and white Zinfandel share some similarities. While winemaking is an intricate process, the key difference is that rosé is usually made by allowing red grape skins to ferment for just a few hours, compared to the weeks-long fermentation for most red wines. This shorter contact with the skins gives rosé its lighter color.

While rosé can be crafted from any variety of red grape, white Zinfandel is specifically made from Zinfandel grapes.

In terms of flavor, white Zinfandel tends to be sweeter, lighter in color, and simpler in taste compared to many rosé wines. On the other hand, rosé can be either dry or sweet and varies in color from soft blush to vibrant red.

What Exactly Is Rosé?

While we often picture historical figures sipping dark red wines, rosé was actually among the first wines ever recorded. In ancient times, rosés were made by diluting field blends of white and red grapes, and the Ancient Greeks considered it refined to water down wine.

A common misconception is that rosé is created by mixing red and white wines. While this method is technically possible, it is generally frowned upon by most winemakers.

Rosé wines are produced worldwide, from California to Europe, with Provence in France being a standout region known for consistently making high-quality rosé. In fact, rosé accounts for more than half of the wine produced in Provence.

What Is White Zinfandel?

White Zinfandel, or "white Zin," was born out of a happy accident. In 1972, Bob Trinchero, co-owner and winemaker at Sutter Home Winery, was experimenting with their Zinfandel. He used a technique called saignée, where a portion of the red wine juice is bled off after it has had contact with the grape skins and seeds, aiming to boost the wine's color, body, and flavor.

The experiment was successful in a way, but it left Trinchero with eleven barrels of white juice. The wine was initially hard, dry, and somewhat like Chardonnay, but Trinchero decided to bottle it anyway.

Initially, the wine wasn't a hit. However, with some adjustments, white Zinfandel became Sutter Home's top-selling wine by 1975, and it remains the brand's only wine that consistently sells out each year.

It's important to note that white Zinfandel is not a separate grape variety, but rather a method of processing Zinfandel grapes.

Although it's one of the most popular wines in the U.S., many still consider white Zinfandel to be lacking in sophistication. However, its reputation is shifting. A new generation of winemakers is embracing its quirky charm and enhancing its flavors.