We're looking forward to blue skies and endless sunny days with a rosè in hand. Winemaker Pete Turner shares why The Hunting Lodge Expressions Rosé is not only award-winning, it’s the ideal wine to sip this summer By editor Trudi Brewer.
Expressions Pinot Noir Rosè
There is one style of wine we keep going back to and that’s rosè. Versatile, luscious and oh, so easy to drink, editor Trudi Brewer discovers a locally grown blush wine she loves.
“There is no shame in taking rosè seriously! If you think you don’t like rosè, experiment, and try something new this summer.”
Is rosè classified a red or white wine?
Rosè has a classification of its own. There are no strict rules in New Zealand regarding how you make rosè. However, the more traditional, authentic method is to use 100 per cent red grapes, and that’s how we make our Expressions Rosè here at The Hunting Lodge. The process is much the same as white winemaking, with the rose colour coming from skin contact of the red grapes.
Are lighter rosè's sweeter than dark rosè wines?
The depth of colour of a rosè is related to the duration of skin contact the juice receives between crushing and pressing and, to a certain extent, the grape varieties used. The longer the juice is soaked with the skins on, the darker the wine. Pale, drier styles such as our Expression Rosè wine is currently more in fashion – but that could change next summer.
“The depth of colour of a rosè is related to the duration of skin contact the juice receives between crushing and pressing and, to a certain extent, the grape varieties used.”
What food should you serve with rosè?
Dry rosè's are very versatile when it comes to food pairing. Greek and Nicoise salads are great matches. With cheese, go for salty, soft white cheeses such as chevre or feta to bring out the aromatics in a rosè. Shellfish, grilled fish dishes, light pasta, or rice dishes will all pair well with rosè. A sweeter, low acid style will handle a small amount of spice, and also works well served with light desserts.
Is there a difference between a rosè Champagne or sparkling rosè wine vs. a still rosè?
The main difference is the bubbles. Sparkling rosè can be tank-fermented or carbonated. However, the base wine is made the same way as a still rosè. Rosè Champagne and other bottle-fermented sparkling rosè's have a small amount of red wine added at the blending stage, or they can get their colour from the skins early on in the maceration process. Also, sparkling rosès often have a little more residual sugar than still rosè wines to balance the fizz.
“Best served chilled, but not ice-cold, or it suppresses all the aroma and flavour.”
What is the best temperature to serve rosè?
Best served chilled, but not ice-cold, or it suppresses all the aroma and flavour. The ideal temperature is between seven and 13 degrees, a little colder for the sparkling varieties.
Can you use rosè wine as a base for cocktails? If so, what spirits would you mix with it?
Absolutely – rosè is an excellent base for cocktails, particularly with white spirits such as gin, vodka, white rum - try rosè wine in mojitos and margaritas. Here’s one of The Hunting Lodge favourite, called Rosa Spritz: Use one part Cocci Rosa (Italian Rose Vermouth), to five parts Expressions Rosè, with a dash of soda water, served on ice with a grapefruit slice to garnish.
“Rosè is an excellent base for cocktails, particularly with white spirits such as gin, vodka, white rum - try rosè wine in mojitos and margaritas.”
Rosè Mojito inspiration
What grapes are used to make Expressions Rosè wine?
Predominantly Syrah and Pinot Noir grapes, for the Expressions Rosè – both are very aromatic red grapes that make great rosè wine.
What makes the Expressions Rosè so unique?
The Expressions Rosè is a crisp, off-dry style with fragrant aromatics that make it the ideal summer drop. We harvest the grapes earlier than we would for red wine, which results in fresh, fruity aromas and a moderate alcohol level for perfect balance. Our 2019 vintage was voted in the "Top 50" wines at the recent New World Wine Awards.
The Hunting Lodge Expressions Pinot Noir Rosé, $22.
The fragrant and refined dry style rosé offers the scent of tropical melon, strawberries, and cream, traces of white florals, and dried thyme. It evokes the flavour of red berry fruits and guava with a touch of caramel sweetness to finish.
Best tip rosè wine tip?
There is no shame in taking rosè seriously! If you think you don't like rosè, experiment, and try something new this summer.