Wine for the Weekend: Refreshing Rosé

Alissa Jenkins and the wine lovers at Australian Traveller magazine offer their opinions on some local rosé.

2012 Charles Melton Rose of Virginia, Barossa Valley, SA

Straight away the sexy magenta colour sets the scene for something special. A rich raspberry, honey and spice aroma is followed by complex berry flavours and superbly balanced tannins. Made from a mix of Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Meunier – it is lush, full-bodied and one very clever example of Rosé. $25. charlesmeltonwines.com.au

2011 Rolling Pink, Central Ranges, NSW

Made largely from cool-climate Shiraz near Orange, this lively drop lives up to its name with a vibrant coral-pink hue. Offering a strawberry and berry perfume with subtle grapefruit tang, fresh berry characters again appear on the palate, balanced by crisp acidity. Admittedly the fun is short lived, but it still makes for an easy-to-drink drop, that’s especially easy on the eye. $17.95. cumuluswines.com.au

2011 Mitchell Harris Rose, Pyrenees, VIC

Derived from Pinot Noir and Sangiovese, this salmon-pink Rose offers an interesting sweet and savoury combination. The scent is subtle and blends strawberry and nutty notes, but savoury wins out on the palate as smoky (almost meaty) characters dominate, despite later hints of fruit. Overall it’s bright, crisp, and with a lasting savoury finish. $22. mitchellharris.com.au