When you think of great weather and good times, you're probably holding a glass of chilled rosé. But rosé is no longer just a summer drink – it's made to be enjoyed year-round.
Rosé is defined by its wide and varied colour palate, from pale salmon through to deep red. Rosé can be produced from a multitude of varieties and is typically made using one of the three methods: saignée (pronounced son-yay), maceration or blending.
Below are seven examples. Each is priced between $20 and $34 and offers outstanding value for money. We spoke to their producers about why they love making rosé and asked them how to tackle the overwhelming choice when it comes to pairing rosé with food.
NV Jansz Tasmania Special Edition Premium Rosé
A vibrant sparkling rosé showcasing the beguiling aromatics inherent to Tasmanian sparkling pinot noir. There are delicious, captivating aromas of strawberries and cream, rose petals, Turkish delight and fresh brioche. The palate is creamy, textured and rich while retaining an elegant vibrancy and freshness. A wine full of 'joie de vivre' that brings the delights of summer into the glass at any time.About the artist: Daniel Gray-Barnett is a self-taught, award-winning illustrator and author who lives in the Huon Valley in Tasmania. Our Breath, Our Song is inspired by the majesty and mythology of the Bass Strait. The abstract work explores the flow of time, people and nature that shapes not only our Jansz Tasmania vineyards, but all the land around us.
Vigneron Jennifer Doyle says: Sparkling rosé is such a multidimensional wine – it can be enjoyed as an aperitif, is an all-rounder that pairs beautifully with many cuisines and can act as the perfect palate cleanser if you are not inclined toward a sticky. And sparkling rosé is just so delicious and satisfying!
Best enjoyed: Pair this sparkling rosé with smoked salmon blini and crème fraîche or a poached quince tart.
RRP $33 | Drink now | jansz.com.au
2022 Medhurst Estate Rosé
Very pale copper with a bright vibrant pink hue. Deliciously elusive fresh fruits including strawberry and raspberry are supported by hints of tropical fruits and the white blossom of jasmine. The palate is savoury and refined with a supple creamy texture. The finish to the wine is superb, fresh fruits, lovely roundness and weight and a long chalky delicate line that is the trademark of this single vineyard wine.Winemaker Simon Steele says: Rosé is the everyday pleasure we can afford to have. It’s light on its feet but with huge flavour and pleasing dry chalky finishes. You can drink rosé every day of the year (just like our boss Ross Wilson) and continue to marvel at the versatility, balance and freshness.
Best enjoyed: Try the 2022 with freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters.
RRP $30 | Drink to 2027 | medhurstwines.com.au
2022 Preece Grenache Rosé
Bright, fleshy fruit flavours of red berries and white citrus are complimented by lemongrass and ginger with a superb acid backbone. The savoury, textural fine tannins build through the palate delivering a persistent and balanced finish with a sense of freshness.Winemaker Natalie Cleghorn says: I thoroughly love drinking rosé – for me it is a joyous wine, vibrant and alive. I love the Provence style: savoury, briny, with hints of fresh berries. It is a style of wine that can be enjoyed with or without food and matches well to our Australian cuisine.
Best enjoyed: The 2022 is a fantastic pairing with barbecued asparagus drizzled in lemon infused olive oil.
RRP $22 | Drink now | mitchelton.com.au
2021 Pt. Leo Estate Rosé
Intense nose of Turkish delight, spice, and fresh herbs while the palate shows crunchy acidity, vibrant cherry, strawberries, and cream – a quintessential rosé made for long, lazy summer lunches.Winemaker Tod Dexter says: Rosé is the ultimate summer wine. It is such a great alternative to textural whites or light reds.
Best enjoyed: The 2021 pairs perfectly with the Pt. Leo Estate Restaurant summer menu entrée – velvet tomato tart, rockmelon, horseradish and San Daniele prosciutto.
RRP $34 | Drink to 2024 | ptleoestate.com.au
2022 Victory Point Wines Rosé
The 2022 is 50 per cent pinot noir with the balance equal parts cabernet franc and malbec. The aromas include strawberry, raspberry, white cranberry and fresh spearmint. The palate has a saline minerality with crunchy red fruit and cranberry acidity.Owners Judith and Gary Berson say: We love rosé for its versatility. It's not just a summer wine, it's a delicious aperitif anytime, and a joy on those gorgeous sunny winter days. The structure of our rosé means it can be enjoyed with food. We love the refreshing acidity and brightness of a rosé that is made with food in mind.
Best enjoyed: The Victory Point Rosé is ideal with an antipasti platter, anchovy puffs or seafood dishes with garlic.
RRP $30 | Drink to 2028 | victorypointwines.com
2022 Weathercraft Beechworth Whole Bunch Rosé
All fruit is estate grown using both biological and organic practices and entirely hand-harvested. Whole bunch pressed, one portion to tank (inoculated) and one portion to old oak (wild). Rich aromas of red berries, pomegranate and musky florals. The palate is dry with gentle savouriness and is brimming with fresh acidity. Deliciously elegant.Winemaker Raquel Jones says: I’ve enjoyed a variety of rosé, and what I’ve learned is that really good rosé is a serious wine. And really good rosé will improve with a few years of bottle age. I wholeheartedly believe in the integrity of this wine style. My only wish would be to change its reputation as a summertime drink, because it deserves to be enjoyed all year round.
Best enjoyed: With so many food pairings to choose from, it’s often easier to default to the main varietal used in making the rosé as the deciding factor. The Weathercraft Rosé is made from 100 per cent shiraz, so pair it with a Thai beef salad or a dish with Szechuan spices or a classic lamb souvlaki.
RRP $34 | Drink to 2026 | weathercraft.com.au
2022 Yarran Wines A Few Words Montepulciano Rosé
Light pale salmon in colour as a result of minimal skin contact. Produced from a single parcel of Riverina montepulciano grapes, estate-grown and lightly pressed. Dry, savoury, moreish rosé with light strawberry notes.Winemaker Sam Brewer says: Nothing pairs better with our warm Australian summer days and nights than a rosé. We’ve really enjoyed watching dry style rosé make a big come back in recent years. With so many grape varieties now used to produce rosé it really has expanded the offerings to consumers and encouraged them to explore the Australia rosé market. It’s no longer just Mateus on the shelves!
Best enjoyed: We often say this rosé pairs very well with an empty glass, however seafood, a spicy Thai dish or chargrilled elements work very nicely. For those warm summer afternoons – a glass paired with a charcuterie board and antipasto can't be beaten.
RRP $20 | Drink now | yarranwines.com.au
