white merlot and zinfandel

[sonniburnett]

Since white merlots and zinfandels aren't actually red in color, but certainly aren't white, what are they actually classified as--a red or white wine. They look darker than a rose.

This is an honest question desiring a simple answer. No smart-alecks or snobbish replies, please.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Sonniburnett, and welcome to the Wine Board. The merlot and zinfandel grapes are red. When they and others such as cabernet sauvignon, grenache, and pinot noir are made into "white" wines they are given only minimal contact with their skins. The resultant pink wines are rose's. This is precisely one way that traditional rose's are made.

[Kcwhippet]

Wasn't it the Curmster who came up with the term "Blush" To refer to rose style wines made from red grapes? I believe he came up with the term when Bill Kleck was looking for a name that sounded more California for his Rose of Merlot.