The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement

Wine reviews: In the pink for summer

Ralph Kyte-Powell

Chilled rosé is ideal for an Australian summer drinking.
Chilled rosé is ideal for an Australian summer drinking.Shutterstock

Cold rosé has always seemed to be the ideal wine for Australia's alfresco summer lifestyle, but until recently it was a perennial fringe-dweller on the Australian wine scene – unloved, desperate, dateless. That's changed, led by a new breed of high-quality local rosés, and supported by an invasion of good-value European drops. Usually dry and savoury, very food-friendly, and quite possibly allied to the gentle art of seduction, these wines deserve to be on every summer table. And it isn't only Australians who are embracing rosé like never before. These days the French actually drink more pink wine than white, and Parisian department stores now allow acres of shelf space for these enchanting drops.

De Bortoli La Boheme Act Two Dry Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $17-$20

Score 89

A flowery, fragrant take on Yarra Valley rosé with aromas of red berries, stone fruit and spice. It's all about freshness and purity, with attractive, round pinot noir fruit in the middle perfectly balanced by a zesty signature at the end. Screw cap; 12.5 per cent alcohol.

Advertisement

Ageing? No.

Stockists include Piedimonte's Supermarket & Liquor, Fitzroy North (Vic); Chippendale Cellars, Chippendale (NSW).

Turkey Flat Barossa Valley Grenache Rosé 2017 $19-$21

Score 92

There's a long tradition of making rosé from Barossa grenache. Turkey Flat refines the tradition into one of Australia's most consistently good pink wines. Pale and coppery in colour, the 2017 has a fragrant red berry and spice aroma, light and appetising, that flows through a silky mouthful of delicate, fruity flavour, real presence and persistence. Screw cap; 13 per cent alcohol.

Advertisement

Ageing? No.

Stockists include David's Cellars, Annandale (NSW); Cambridge Cellars, Caulfield North (Vic).

Vigna Cantina Rosato di Sangiovese 2017 $23-$25

Score 92

All red grapes can make pink wine, but the Tuscan sangiovese is one of the better ones for the purpose. With a slightly deeper colour than current fashion might dictate, this Eden Valley example smells attractively of cherries with whispers of licorice and spice. The palate is soft and succulent with just enough tannin structure. Great for outdoorsy dining as the weather warms up. Screw cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.

Advertisement

Ageing? No.

Stockists include Different Drop, Ultimo (NSW); torzimatthews.com.au.

From our partners

Advertisement
Advertisement