Know as blush or pink, rosé wine is officially on a massive roll. The French have been drinking pink wine over white for the past eleven years, and it's finally becoming a firm favourite down under, too. The best news is that our homegrown rosés have risen in quality and grown in style to rival those we import. So, while the sun is still shining, cheers to rosè. Here are three we have on rotation right now.
Escarpment Vineyard Rosé, $30
Inspired by the dry, light-bodied rosés from Provence in southern France, this 2023 lively pink wine comes from Martinborough’s Te Muna Valley, east of the township. It is made entirely from Pinot Noir and has flavours of summer berries in a bone-dry wine with a crisp finish.
Graze with: Humous and crackers
Dine match: Smoked duck with leafy greens
Rating: 17.5/20
Southern French rosé is one of the most popular wines in the world right now, and this 2022 dry, light-bodied wine is made from Grenache and Cinsault grapes. Lightly pressed to give the wine a light pink hue, it’s bursting with flavours of raspberries, red apples and a touch of crisp citrus.
Graze with: warm green olives
Dine match: salad niçoise; fresh tuna, black olives and greens
Rating: 17.5/20
The aromas and flavours of summer berries lead into a fleshy, flavoursome and dry rose. This 2022 vintage is a Martinborough rosé with a difference. Made from Pinot Meunier and Mariafeld grapes, both grown on the Blue Rock Vineyard, south of the village. In the words of our editor, who favours a full-bodied, rich-looking rosè - it’s perfection.
Graze with: fresh watermelon with mint leaves
Dine match: fresh green salad and toasted bruschetta
Rating: 17/20
Why is it a breeze for some and a bitch for others?