A good rosé is the quintessential summer wine, chilled, for sipping over long lunches, languorous afternoons or lingering evenings. But this year there are a few special blends of sauvignon coloured by a red that give a new take on the style.
BEST UNDER $20
$19
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
A deep pink colour with hints of cherry, strawberry and stone fruit, weighty in the mouth with a firm, dry finish. Stylish and good with food as well as by itself.
$27
Four stars
Average value
A delicious wine, a pretty pink, floral with fresh fruit hinting of cherries, strawberries and red apples, good weight in the mouth and a crisp, clean, dry finish. Made by Jen Parr, winemaker of the year in the 2012 NZ International Wine Show.
terrasancta.co.nz
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
Hints of spiced rhubarb and strawberries with a slightly nutty undertone and a bright, fresh finish.
$24
Three and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant with hints of berry fruit, a suggestion of mineral and an underlying hint of nuts, a light sweetness and a fresh, off-dry finish. Available in half-bottles ($12) as well as the regular 750ml.
$20
Three stars
Below average value
A pale, onion-skin colour with a light fragrance and flavours, a hint of mineral and redcurrants, an underlying nuttiness and clean finish.
$19
Three stars
Below average value
Despite its bright ruby colour this smells like sauvignon blanc - green capsicum and mineral. If you want to be seen drinking red but actually prefer sauvignon, this wine made of Marlborough sauvignon and Chilean teinturier (a red with deep colour and little flavour) could be for you - or the Chinese market.
ANOTHER GLASS
Invivo Bella Rosé 2012
$20
Two stars
Below average value
If you are worried about calories and colour rather than flavour, you might like to try this pale, low alcohol (9%) blend of sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. It hints of mineral and rhubarb, and is light in both body and flavour.
