With the current Frosé (Frozen Rosé) trend taking the world by storm, we have gathered the top 10 rosé picks for you to enjoy – as there is nothing better than encompassing the chilled out vibes of summer than a great glass of rosé . No not the Barbie doll pink, sickly sweet ‘lip glossy’ rosé of yester year, but dry, food-friendly and versatile rosé.
image via pinterest
Look for pale salmon, apricot and coral coloured wines which are best served super chilled and with abundant plates of casual food such as prosciutto, prawns, anti pasti, cured salmon … the list is endless. Sip it on its own, top it with soda and add fresh fruit for a lovely spritzer like we do at Manly Wine and pair it with your favourite summer foods.
Here are my top picks for this summer:
1. Bellwether Wines ‘Black Ant’ Nero D’Avola rosé 2014, Heathcote, Victoria
This little beauty made by the lovely and uber talented Sue Bell just picked up a gold medal at the Australian Alternative Varieties wine show which I was lucky enough to check out in Mildura last week. Made from the Sicilian grape variety Nero D’Avola this rosé is delicious and textural with flavours of crunchy red fruits, a lick of spice, orange pith and an edge of savouriness.
2. Well Mannered wines rosé of Sangiovese 2014, Mudgee, NSW
Duo Nick Bacon and James Manners have done such a great job with this Sangiovese rosé. I drink this all the time, it’s delicious; it’s like biting into a crunchy watermelon, with a touch of dried cranberry and wild strawberry.
3. Krinklewood ‘Francesca’ rosé 2014, Hunter Valley, NSW
Pete Windrim not only has fantastic beard but he also makes stellar wines from the Windrim family’s biodynamic vineyard and farm in the Broke Fordwich of the Hunter Valley. Made from the beautiful variety Mourvedre this gorgeous wine has delicate notes of Turkish delight, a touch of rose petal, some autumnal spice notes and a moreish palate of barely ripe apricot and cream.
4. Pierre de Prunet rosé 2012, Languedoc, France
This killer little number comes from just outside Montpellier, its Grenache based and loaded with crunchy red fruits such as dried cherries, pomegranate and some fresh green herbs on the nose. A great session rosé perfect for summer drinking and pretending you are lying on a very expensive beach chair somewhere in the south of France.
5. Domaines Ott ‘Clos Mireille rosé coeur de grains’ 2012, Cotes du Provence, France
This alluring rosé is a show stopper. Its beautiful bottle turns heads but it is also one of the most lovely wines from the home of rosé, the Cotes du Provence in France. A delicate nose of pink grapefruit, citrus and white peach marries with some soft brown spice on the palate and flavours of wild strawberry and raspberry. Delicious.
6. Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque rosé 2004, Epernay, France
One word. Exquisite. One of the best examples of fine rosé Champagne there is. Coupled with the magnificent bottles adorned with Anenomes this exudes class and sophistication. Complex and pure, pretty notes of white flowers, peach and lemon curd.
7. Delamere NV Sparkling rosé, Pipers Brook, Tasmania
I recently spent some time in Tasmania where I met Shane and Fran from Delamere who are making some great wines from their Pipers Brook Winery. I particularly loved this, it has a wonderful nose of musk sticks, light red fruits, brioche and a savoury nose of freshly unearthed mushrooms. Very stylish.
8. Ulithorne ‘ Epoch ‘ rosé 2012, Cotes du Provence, France
McLaren Vale winemaker and legend Rose Kentish is most famous for her stunning Shiraz and cabernet from South Australia’s McLaren Vale but every year she travels to Europe to specially produce this wine. 2012 is the 3rd vintage made by Rose Kentish with Olivier DeVictor at Domaine de la Sangliere, on the south coast of Provence, near Toulon. Classically styled, lovely oyster shell and vibrant red currant characters, summer flowers and perfect with food, especially bouillabaise and local seafood.
9. Terra Sancta rosé 2013, Central Otago, New Zealand
Terra Sancta is a passion project of Sarah Elliot and Mark Wheldon, who I met over a decade ago at my parent’s restaurant in Wellington, New Zealand. I love how Sarah talks about her favourite drop so much that I have included her notes on it here: “Our Pinot Noir Rosé is beautiful and I love the fact that it looks as beautiful as it tastes. Our Rosé is symbolic and conducive to much that is great in life – classic setting – outside, poolside in the sun with my family on Christmas day eating prawns off the bar-b-que – happiness, fun and the glories of our Pinot Noir Rosé! ”
10.Paumanok Dry rosé 2011, Finger Lakes, New York
USA! Heres a savoury style for those a little more adventurous (who knew New York had vineyards) red apple skin, super mineral, funky and packed with dried berry flavours. A blend of the gorgeously aromatic cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon.