Rose is typically made from the same grapes used to make red wine. The kinds of red grapes used to create rose often vary; it can be one kind of grape or a variety. Roses are known for their light pink color, which can be achieved a number of ways, usually before the grape juice is even fermented into wine. The lightness of rose wine has made it a very versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals, including antipasti, seafood, pastas and spicy foods. Rose wine's light pink color (often likened to candy or bubble gum) gives the impression that it is a less serious wine intended for less sophisticated drinkers with undeveloped palettes. It is also commonly associated with summertime drinking, though it can be enjoyed year-round.
Rose, along with its pink color, has a pleasantly fruity taste that carries a light berry flavor. The taste of rose wine made via maceration varies depending on the grapes used and amount of maceration time, while rose wine made from the saignee method is often more akin to the complex flavors and aromas found in red wine, though the experience is far lighter. Typically, rose made in Europe is dry, whereas American rose has a sweeter taste more akin to that of white.
Rose wine glasses are designed specifically for rose wine, a pinkish wine that typically is lighter or sweeter than most standard red or white wines. There are generally two types of glasses experts consider the best for rose wines: stemmed glasses that usually have a short bowl and a slight taper, and those with a short bowl and a slightly flared lip. Other possible varieties include glasses made from glass or crystal that is plain; colored; or decorated with paint, cut glass or etched designs. Rose wine ferments in a similar way as white wine, so white wine glasses are generally considered acceptable to use if rose wine glasses are not available. Fans of these pinkish wines may prefer a thin-walled rose glass that gets cold quickly so it can keep the wine chilled longer.