Nothing seems to make certain wine drinkers cringe like the words “pink wine.” For some, it conjures memories of sickly sweet concotions consumed at college cook outs. For others, “pink wine” is synonymous with “white zinfandel” (which isn’t a bad thing for white zin lovers).

Just like “all Riesling is sweet” is a myth (which Just Grapes debunked at its Riesling 101 class in early June), “all pink wine is sweet and fruity” is also a myth. Let’s take a closer look.

For starters, lets stop calling it “pink wine.” Rosé (pronounced “rose-ay”) is the proper term for that wine occupying the vast territory between whites and reds. We know white wine is “white” because it has been made without the grapes’ skin. Red wine is red because the skins (which is where most of the tannins are) are left on. Rosés are a little of both: the skins are allowed to remain on the grape during the crushing process, and then removed, typically within a few days. Brief contact with the colorful skins is what gives Rosé its hue. Rosés can be numerous shades, from pale orange to salmon pink to downright purplish. They also vary in sugar and texture.

This summer, drink pink!

Just Grapes has brought in three brand new Rosés this summer: the flavorful, exotic 2008 Domaine Skouras “Zoe” from Greece; the intriguing 90% Grenache/10% Mourvedre 2007 Verdad from California; and the delightful and dry 2007 Reverdy Sancerre. We also acquired a new vintage of the popular Bon Bon, which is the sweetest of our Rosés but certainly not too sweet.

In last week’s “Wine & Food for the Home Chef” course, offer by Just Grapes at the Calphalon Culinary Center, the Greek “Zoe” Rosé was among six food-friendly wines to be paired with dishes such as shrimp, Moroccan-style lamb, and pork tenderloin. Class members were surprised at how versatile the “pink wine” was, and many felt it was the wine that paired most pleasantly with every single dish. Many left the class purchasing a bottle or two, and have since stopped in to examine our other Rosés (we usually feature one or two on our tasting bar).

As always, the best wine for you is the wine you love best. But if you give Rosé a shot, you may find your new summer sipper.