Rob Palandri was raised in Margaret River and has been involved in the wine industry as a producer, wine bar owner, agent, drinker and reviewer of 1000s of wines.
JUST like cricket may be the sound of summer, Rose is undoubtably the taste of summer.
In August 2015 Vanity Fair opined that Rose was “so summer”.
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READ NOWSomewhat belatedly as in fact in 2010 the Rose re-birth and revolution had already begun, particularly in the US and even more specifically in the North East regions around New York.
By 2012, Rose had become the Hamptons Gatorade and this trend quickly went global.
In our current world of instant visualisation, no other alcoholic drink inspires more hashtags than bottles of Rose.
Rose is made in every grape growing country in the world in a vast array of styles with its distinctive colours ranging from bright pink to salmon to lesser shades of orange.
Though in reality the trend and demand is for colour shades of distinct brown onion skin hues.
You do not need to think about Rose, it’s an unsophisticated wine you rarely drink alone.
Its origins are the sun drenched regions of French Provence where it virtually replaces mineral water and where many tourists first tasted it on balmy summer days in Nice, St Tropez, Marseille and Aix.
These tourists have quickly created a demand for the same experience in their own summers at home.
Australia is no exception with about three million bottles imported each year from France alone and growing rapidly.
This in addition to Rose made in Australia by almost every winery, and those from Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Some predicting that within five years, Rose drinking will surpass all white wines.
Almost any red grape can make Rose, the shade of colour determined by the amount of time the fermenting juice remains in contact with the red grape skins.
Shiraz, Grenache and Cinsault are the predominant Rose grapes.
French Provence provides the majority of the focus on Rose and many outstanding wines come from this area and the 2017 vintage was very good.
Whispering Angel, Domaine Ott, Minuty, Rimauresq and Chateau La Gordonne to name a few brands.
Many are under $20 and those between $20-$30 give you an outstanding quality Rose.
If you want to go upwards of $30 there’s plenty there to, just ask your local wine merchant.
The increasing price generally indicates the more specific sites.
I have included three Roses in this review, one Australian, one from southern France and one specifically from the Provence Appelation.
Pricing from $15 to $30 and all excellent value for your money.
Ideal with salmon, charcuterie and grilled chicken.
2017 La Vielle Ferme Rose(Southern France)
Slight pink hues, jubes, light summer berry fruits bouquet. Tasty, youthful, clean crisp fruity balance, medium lingering finish.
16/20 (89 points)
$15 Available Liquor Barons most stores
2017 The Pawn El Desperado Rose(Adelaide Hills SA)
Pinkish salmon hues, delicate strawberry and floral (roses) bouquet. Quite a full, dryish mouthfeel, round, well balanced, medium intense tells you its Aussie.
16.5/20 (90 points) $19.50
Available Cellarbrations Subiaco and Liquor Barons
2017 Saint Aix AIX Rose (Provence, France)
Classic pale onion skin colour, fragrant enchanting summer berries, strawberry bouquet. Quite intense, creamy textured palate. Dry, clean, long lingering finish.V.Good
17/20 (91 points) $29.95
Available Liquor Barons Swanbourne