Valentine’s Day the 14th February: (2023)*
Are you ready to sip, savour & share Valentine’s Day. The following selection of vibrant & engaging rosé wines - are an ideal pairing with varied Valentine occasions & cuisine. Here are a few brief words to describe my first impressions and the essence of each wine. I have chosen a selection of 8 quality rosé wines ready to be sipped, savoured & shared with your someone special.
DRAPPIER
Rosé de Saignée NV
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Owner/ Chef de Cave: Michel Drappier
Champagne Drappier are one of the rare Houses producing a Rosé Champagne by the Saignée method. The well-structured palate has vibrant and expressive red fruits and violet with a lightly spiced note. Receiving only a light dosage the finish is extremely fresh.
(12% Alc. - R.S. 6g/L).
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$89.00 : 4 Stars
PIPER-HEIDSIECK
Rosé Sauvage NV
Blend of: Pinot Noir, Meunier & Chardonnay
Chef de Cave: Émilien Boutillat
The engaging palate is generous and luscious showcasing dark cherries, pomegranate, red plums, clementine’s - and just a touch of saffron. This wines structure and fruit forward nature is enhanced with dashes of Asian spice and an elevated lingering finish.
(12% Alc. - R.S. 9g/L).
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$92.00 : 4 Stars
CHARLES HEIDSIECK
Rosé Réserve NV
Blend of : Pinot Noir, Meunier & Chardonnay
Chef de Cave: Cyril Brun
The generous palate showcasing defined precision and timely flavours bursting with strawberries, raspberries, cherries, wildflowers and subtle hints of allspice and a bright seam of acidity keeping any of these vibrant characters from falling short of the bright finish.
(12% Alc. - R.S. 10g/L)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$139.00 : 5 Stars
POL ROGER
Brut Rosé Vintage 2015
Grapes: 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Chardonnay
Chef de Cave: Damien Cambres*
A fine perlage releases on the palate a fine mineral character with dynamic red fruits and a hint of vanilla spice. The wine is silky smooth with a balance of delicate freshness and refined elegance. This wine has thoughtful intensity and a refined generosity.
(12.5% Alc. - R.S. 8g/L)
• Chill gently & serve between 9°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$169.00 : 5 Stars
JULES TAYLOR
‘The Jules’ Rosé 2022
Grape: 100% Merlot
Owner / Winemaker: Jules Taylor
Crafted from 100% Merlot - this rosé is packed with dynamic raspberry and cranberry flavours combined with just a touch of minerality. Elevated engaging fruit acidity and a clean dry finish. Making it an ideal summer sipper, you will be reaching for another glass.
(13% Alc./vol. - R.S. 2.4g/L).
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$28.00 : 4 Stars
MARQUÉS de CÁCERES
‘Rioja’ Rosado 2019
Grape: 96% Tempranillo & 4% Garnacha
Owner / Director: Cristina Forner
Inviting aromas of strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, summer flowers and dried herbs. These all carry onto the palate showcasing summer red berries, ripe watermelon, red apple skins, citrus notes and those local dried herbs and with a classic dry finish.
(13.5% Alc. - Dry style).
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$27.00 : 4 Stars
PASQUA
11 Minutes Rosé 2021
Grapes: *Bespoke Blend (4 grapes)
Chief Winemaker: Giovanni Nordera
Strawberries, raspberries and grapefruit aromas. The palate is a vibrant expression of those raspberries, peach-skin and pink-grapefruit flavours celebrating the wines natural fruit acidity, resulting in a dynamic uplifting, bright vivacious finish.
(12.5% Alc. - R.S. 5g/L).
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$28.00 : 4 Stars
CHÂTEAU ROUTAS
Rosé 2021
Grapes: *Provençal Blend (4 grapes)
Head Winemaker: Fabrice Grossmann
Showcasing watermelon, grapefruit, white peaches, wild strawberries and a fine mineral seam. The silky mouthfeel is due to the deftly-oaked components adding a subtle textural charm, balanced by natural crisp fruit acidity, a refreshing classic dry finish.
(13% Alc. - R.S. <4g/L).
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$29.00 : 4 Stars
*(Please note the prices shown can vary and the availability of these reviewed wines can change quickly)