By Christine Salins.
State of Light 2020 Rosé
Australia’s love affair with Rosé shows no signs of abating. For the last five years, it’s been one of the strongest growing categories in the liquor industry, outpacing most other wines and giving Sauvignon Blanc a run for its money.
Sales are booming, both on wine lists and for home purchase, and styles are changing too. No longer are they the fuller, ruby-coloured, lolly bombs of old. These days, there’s an elegance and finesse about them, with the most popular styles being light pink, dry and savoury.
Aussie Rosé is edging closer to the more delicate Rosé styles from Provence. (If you haven’t tried a Provence Rosé, you really must – there are quite a few being imported into Australia, and it’s a fun journey getting to know them.)
Round Theory 2020 Rosé
Rosé is an easy-drinking wine that suits our relaxed, alfresco lifestyle. It complements a wide range of dishes from tapas and fried foods to seafood and light meat dishes, and even some curries and desserts. Taste your way through a selection to find a style and flavour that suits.
State of Light 2020 Rosé: With the prettiest of labels and with a considerably lower alcohol content than most, this is sure to be a hit for afternoon teas, hen’s nights, long lunches or any occasion really. It comes from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, and has some Sauvignon Blanc-like notes, though it’s made completely from Merlot. Clever winemaking reduces the alcohol content to 7% without sacrificing flavour or aromatics – think watermelon, berries and all those yummy things. RRP $23 from Dan Murphy’s, BWS and First Choice Liquor Market.
Koonara Wines 2021 Emily May Rosé
Round Theory 2020 Rosé: This one really stands out on the shelf because it’s in a shorter, wider bottle that looks really cool (and is great for repurposing). The glass is 30% lighter, reducing the carbon footprint, and there’s a whole eco story around the brand, also from New Zealand. Flavours redolent of strawberries and blackberries. RRP $23 from Dan Murphy’s, BWS and First Choice Liquor Market.
Koonara Wines 2021 Emily May Rosé: From an organic, family-owned vineyard in Coonawarra, South Australia, made from Tempranillo with an intense pink hue and generous Turkish delight, raspberry and strawberry notes. Low in sulphur, low in residual sugar and vegan friendly. RRP $20, www.koonara.com
Tahbilk Wines 2020 Grenache Mourvedre Rosé: Bright and lively, made from one of my favourite blends (it also has a splash of Shiraz), gorgeous aromas of musk and spice, and appealing strawberry/raspberry notes. RRP $21.50, www.tahbilk.com.au
Leconfield 2020 La Sevillana Rosé
Clandestine Vineyards 2021 Tempranillo Rosé: From Geographe, Western Australia, light salmon in colour, cherry and spice aromas, bone dry with a wonderful crisp acidity that pairs well with curries and Asian flavours. RRP $30, www.clandestinevineyards.com.au
Bremerton 2020 Racy Rosé: From Langhorne Creek, South Australia, deep pink colour, generous flavours of strawberry and watermelon, fun, vibrant and racy as the name suggests. RRP $18, www.bremerton.com.au
Primo Estate 2020 Sangiovese Rosato: The first Rosé from this esteemed McLaren Vale producer, pale pink with generous floral perfume, delicate summer berry flavours and dry, savoury finish. RRP $25, www.primoestate.com.au
Leconfield 2020 La Sevillana Rosé: From Coonawarra, South Australia, in a tall striking bottle with an inverted ‘strawberry’ on the bottom that not only looks good, it broadens the flavour. A newbie from Leconfield, clean, crisp and dry with a lovely round finish. RRP $28, www.leconfieldwines.com
