Summer Roses
What is in a name? That which we call a rosé
by any other word would taste as dry and refreshing...
Butchering Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet aside, the sun has finally arrived, and it is officially rosé time! Rosé wines are at their absolute best when the summer is filled with bright sunshine. Many peoples’ first thought when looking for a rosé are the wines of Provence, but there is so much more to discover for the adventurous taster. To help you make the most of our pink wines here is a selection of fantastic rosés, both still and sparkling, from around the world.
La Loupe, Carignan Rosé, Languedoc-Roussillon - £9.95
La Loupe is brand new to South Downs Cellars and we are sure this is going to be super popular. Salmon pink in colour, this rose has a lovely nose of summer fruits and blossom. The palate is crisp and clean with a good citric acidity and flavours of strawberry, raspberry and red cherry with subtle floral hints of rose and blossom. A perfect summer wine, easy-drinking and very fresh.
Villa Wolf, Pinot Noir Rose, Pfalz, Germany - £12.95
The Villa Wolf Rosé de Pinot Noir is a true rosé, made with a brief maceration before pressing to extract a lovely salmon colour. It is light and refreshing, with bright berry and fruit flavours and a clean, zippy finish. This delightful German rose a great example of how winemakers all over the world are producing dry, light roses made in the Provencal style.
Vilarnau Organic Cava, Brut Rosado, Spain - £14.95
For those who want some bubbles in the pink wine why not try this great value organic Cava? Not just a pretty bottle, the Trepat and Pinot Noir grapes give this delicious pink fizz a bright redcurrant colour, and vibrant ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit characters that are soft and juicy with a refreshingly balanced acidity - the perfect aperitif!
Domaine de Triennes, Organic Triennes Rose, IGP Vin Mediterranée, France - £15.95
This is a fantastic wine from Domaine de Triennes, from the Provence region but bearing the IGP Vin Mediterranee designation. The Domaine was founded in 1989 by two superstars of Burgundy, Domaine Dujac and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. This harmonious and elegant wine has a nose of strawberries and white flowers with hints of vanilla, which is reflected on the palate and long finish.
Cantalici, Petali Organic Rosé, Tuscany, Italy - £16.95
This organic Tuscan Rose is made from 100% Sangiovese. Intense coral pink colour with purple hues. Pleasantly soft highlights scents of raspberry and wild strawberry, integrated with floral hints. Thanks to the vibrant freshness and flavour this wine is easy to drink. This has been one of our favorite roses for many years and shows Sangiovese grape can deliver far more than just red wines.
Delaire Graff Estate, Cabernet Franc Rosé, Stellenbosch, South Africa - £19.95
Wild strawberries and cassis on the bouquet, with more strawberries and raspberry notes on the palate with added essence of blackberries. A creamy but very structured palate with layered flavours and lingering notes of citrus and pear on a dry finish. This is a wonderful example of the complexity and nuance roses wines can deliver.
Poynings Grange, Rosé de Noirs, Sussex, England - £32.95
The barest of blushes, a hint of pink! A wonderfully made Sussex sparkling rose, minerality from the sussex chalk shining through and combining beautifully with the full pinot character and brioche toastiness from the long lees ageing. This rose is great on its own but is even better when you pair it with a picnic or a BBQ in the sun.