Pink wine is more popular than ever, and we definitely add to that trend. While many experts suggest rose is the perfect summer drink, we rate it as wine that works in any weather. Here, our wine writer shares her top four New Zealand examples of the perfect glass of vino for us.
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When you think of a chilled glass of rose, you can’t help but imagine an afternoon of alfresco dining in a sun-kissed beach bar on a girl’s summer escape. The feminine colour and fruity floral aroma make this wine variety hot right now. Joelle Thomson rates four local rosès 18.5 out of 20, high praise from her; she believes they tick every box as a top aperitif to enjoy during our long hot summer ahead.
Whitehaven Marlborough Rosé, $25.
For a young wine, 2022 is the best Whitehaven Rosé ever made, and it pushes the boundaries of pale colour and dryness, providing a surprising depth of flavour in such a light-hued pink wine. Winemaker Peter Jackson (not the film guy) gave the grapes minimum skin contact, which is where the light colour comes from, but he has somehow coaxed maximum flavour from the grapes, all Pinot Noir, as in most New Zealand pink wines. Lively, lovely and dangerously drinkable.
Graze with: Goat’s chevre with honey with seed crackers.
Dine with: Goat’s cheese tart with slow-roasted tomatoes, pine nuts, and caramelised onion.
Mount Edward Rosé Central Otago, $29.
Another example of a stunning 2022 rose is from Mount Edward’s chief wine man Duncan Forsyth, who doesn’t do sweet wines, which makes this pink, a grown-up girl’s rose. Instead, its light body and dry flavours are made from grapes grown in Bannockburn, Central Otago, a region with hot summers, freezing winters and a dry climate. The grapes were fermented with wild yeasts to add a savoury tang to the inviting red fruit flavours. It’s also certified organic.
Graze with: Fresh salmon, dill and melon.
Dine with: Grilled halloumi salad drizzled with red wine vinegar.
Rating: 18.5/20
Te Kano Rosé Te Kano, $30.
This 2021 rosè comes from a relatively new winery that is making a significant impact with its high-quality wines made from grapes grown in Bannockburn and Northburn, two of Central Otago sub-regions where Pinot Noir thrives. While a blush pink in colour it’s made entirely from Pinot Noir with gorgeous red fruit flavours of cherries, raspberries and cranberries. Super refreshing, dry in taste and great as an end-of-a-busy-day drink or served with delicious vegetarian food.
Graze with: Tapas of balsamic mushrooms with olives and sourdough bread.
Dine with: Slow-cooked aubergine with a fresh green salad.
B Wine Rosé, $28.
If you love a bold rosé (our editor is obsessed with this wine), try this deep pink, deliciously fruity, dry wine from Martinborough. The grapes in this wine were grown south of the village on the picturesque Hamden Estate vineyard, and, as you might expect from a region firmly focussed on Pinot Noir, where in this case, the maceration of the grapes with skins on lasts for 18 hours. The winemakers Raffael and Christine Burki have created a lovely medium-bodied wine with appealing red fruit flavours.
Graze with: Salmon and cos lettuce - no cheese, please.
Dine with: Lightly grilled salmon with fresh cos and pesto.
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