Middle-Earth ‘Nelson’ Pinot Meunier Rosé 2019
Grape Varietal: 100% Pinot Meunier
Growing Region: Nelson - New Zealand
Winemaker: Trudy Shield
4 Stars ★★★★
Four generations of the Grey family have lived in Brightwater - Nelson, farming and living off this land. But it was in 1996 they began to convert their farm to vineyards producing quality grapes for a number of prominent New Zealand wine brands. Then in 2011, Rob Grey’s daughter Kylie and her husband Ryan O’Connell moved back to Brightwater to manage their growing Middle-Earth wine business.
Fast forward and Trudy Shield joined the family own winery at the end of 2016 and started putting her signature on the 2017 vintage wines. The vineyards at Middle-Earth are 100% sustainably certified - and the vineyard team engage natural farming practices, along with grazing sheep between the rows for grass and weed control. As with the philosophy for all of their wines - this rosé is clean and true to the grape varietal and it sense of place. As Nelson produces cool climate wines that are balanced, character filled with vibrant varietal typicity that reflect the vineyards and region.
This delicious 2019 Rosé wine was made from hand-picked Pinot Meunier grapes from their Home Block vineyard. A varietal which is quite rare in New Zealand, but is one of the key varieties used in making quality Champagne. On arrival into the winery the red Pinot Meunier grapes had a short period of skin contact to pick up the pale salmon colour, summer aromas and flavours that have been captured in this vibrant wine.
As you pour this Rosé wine into your glass you might need sunglasses as you will be greeted by a bright coral salmon colour and shining hue. The aromas remind you of your youth, picking punnets of red summer fruits. Ripe strawberries, raspberries and watermelon notes are lifted from the glass inviting a smile. The palate is vibrant and lively with balanced acidity with those fruit driven flavours of watermelon, red currants, raspberries, a seam of minerality and refreshing acidity. Balanced by a touch of residual sweetness giving the wine a luscious appealing nature, leading to a delicious mouth-watering finish.
This 2019 Middle-Earth ‘Nelson’ Pinot Meunier Rosé has 13% Alc./vol. Made in an off/dry style. Chill gently and serve in an aromatic wine glass at 8°- 9°C.
A delicious Nelson Rosé with a mouth-watering finish.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 15/3/2020)
Drinking perfectly well this summer season; and over the next 12 - 14 months
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with sushi & sashimi, bbq’d prawns, scallops, salmon gravlax and seafood pasta, along with light vegetarian cuisine and freshly picked strawberries - enjoy.
