Rosés used to be pink, sweetish and fruity but some are becoming more interesting, especially when matured on lees or fermented in old oak. The variety makes a difference too, with merlot and the cabernets usually giving more structure than pinot noir.
BEST VALUE
$20
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
With lively floral/herbal aromas, hints of redcurrants and a suggestion of nuts, this is a dry wine, textural and structured. Mostly merlot with some cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.
eskvalley.co.nz
$20
Four stars
Good value
Bright pink with floral aromas, hints of raspberries, strawberries, nuts and even yoghurt, and a fresh, clean finish. Charming.
lawsonsdryhills.co.nz
$17
Three and a half stars
Good value
A simple wine with hints of redcurrants, raspberries, ripe stone fruit and pears, this has a little sweetness but a clean, refreshing finish.
missionestate.co.nz
$25
Four stars
Average value
Made from merlot and cabernet franc, this is an attractive, nicely balanced and structured wine with floral aromas, hints of spice, redcurrants and raspberries, a dry finish and lingering aftertaste.
gladstonevineyard.co.nz
$30
Four and a half stars
Average value
A very pale, stylish wine, fragrant and dry with hints of cherries, redcurrants and plums, but also savoury nuances, weight and texture in the mouth and definite tannins on the finish. This is 82% merlot and 18% syrah, fermented in old French oak with wild yeast.
craggyrange.com
$20
Three and a half stars
Average value
Floral aromas with hints of redcurrant, off-dry with a lively, clean finish. Organic and partially fermented in old oak.
temaniawines.co.nz
