The fresh, fruit-forward and bright characteristics of rosés is what makes this wine sing in summer, even better chilled. This style's complexity and nuances between bottles can compliment any occasion, whether it's fuller-bodied suited for all year round or styles that are drier and sweeter, preferable in the warmer months. See our top picks for enjoying by the pool or beach.
2019 Bellebonne Vintage Rosé
This wine has a delicate pink and salmon blush hue, emanating strawberry, marzipan, Turkish delight and buttery pastry aromas. It has quite a rounded palate and the smallest bitter orange pith character, ending with a fine tannin finish. Pairs nicely with oysters, crispy skin trout, duck breast a l'orange or a light strawberry tart.
Winemaker Natalie Fryar says: "Bellebonne Vintage wines are truly wines of a single vineyard. Made only from a small number of rows in the Pipers River region, I take only the smallest cut of the finest free run juice and only ten or twelve barrels of pinot noir. Each is treated as a single wine until blending and as such these wines are a powerful statement about an individual site and individual winemaker."
Northern Tasmania, TAS | RRP $82.50 | Drink to 2026 | Find out more.
2021 Yering Station Village Rosé
Enjoy cumquat, red berries and tart cherries with hints of ripe peach and nectarine. This wine is clean and seamless with a beautiful texture and weight. The tannins offer a gentle shape, cut with a crisp acidity providing tension. Very dry and refreshing, pairing well with grilled octopus and green mango salad.
Winemaker Brendan Hawker says: "The nebbiolo and sangiovese fruit in our Village Rosé comes from our incredible Muir Vineyard in Yarra Glen, where the plantings are over 20 years old. This release is a 100% single vineyard wine."
Yarra Valley, VIC | RRP $28 | Drink to 2023 | Find out more.
2021 Contentious Character ‘Coming Up Rosés’ Rosé
Red berry aromas and raspberry and strawberry flavours, alongside delicate spicy notes. This savoury style of rose is made from shiraz grapes and offers a clean, crisp finish. Pairs nicely with Asian dishes or just on its own!Winemaker Jeremy Wilson says: “We pay careful attention to picking the grapes at the right sugar level for the right flavour profile, and getting them straight to the press once harvested. What’s especially unique about our 2021 Rosé is the use of shiraz grapes for a savoury style rosé, giving it delicate spicy overtures in addition to red berry, raspberry and strawberry flavours.”
2021 Taylor Made Pinot Noir Rosé
This blush-coloured wine is medium-bodied with fresh and delicate flavours including strawberry and raspberry, levelled with citrus and mineral talc characters. Enjoy the soft textured mid-palate with a refreshing acidity and dry finish.Winemaker Mitchell Taylor says: “Rosé is a wonderful drop for warmer weather due to its fruity and floral flavour profile, reminiscent of summer. It can be complex and versatile with both sweet and dry styles to choose from. This wine has been made in a dry style, displaying lots of fresh red fruit and citrus flavours, complemented by an underlying minerality and acid structure. It’s a lovely drop, perfect for the summer months”
Adelaide Hills, SA | RRP $22 | Drink now | Find out more.
2021 Medhurst Estate Vineyard Rosé
Elusive fresh fruits such as strawberry and raspberry permeate throughout this wine, supported by characters of tropical fruits and the white blossom of jasmine. It has a savoury palate that’s cut with a supple, creamy texture. To finish, there is a lovely roundness and weight, as well as a long, chalky and soft line, quintessential to the single vineyard wine.Winemaker Simon Steele says: “Enjoy on all occasions! But it is perfect on a warm day with friends, a seafood meal, at the park, after work, while cooking dinner or just because! The best thing about the wine is it is dry flavour some versatile and great value.”
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
