Canberra 12.5% Screwcap $18 Source: Sample
Rosé is an interesting thing when you think about it from a critical perspective. Seldom do people search for terroir or place when assessing it. Varietal make up is cause for discussion and debate, but it doesn’t really have to answer to the idealogy of varietal correctness. With these two ideas shunted to the sidelines one can make a judgement based on stylistic preference or head down the generic criteria path; line, length, depth, balance etc. Ability to age is not really a factor either. Perhaps this allows wine writers an extra degree of freedom…maybe wine drinkers too.
This is made up of Cabernet Franc with some Merlot added and it’s a ripper. Generally I prefer the ultra light, dry style but there are exceptions. Charlie Melton’s Rose of Virginia comes to mind. That wine possesses layers and depth. This example from Capital Wines captures a bit of that too. Sweetness is judged to perfection, present but never cloying or “sticky”. Indeed, it flows beautifully on the palate.
There’s raspberry, marshmallow and watermelon along with just a little spun sugar, but the heart of this wine lies in its dark bass pulse of blackcurrant, mulberry and pepper. It finishes refreshingly dry and with good crispness given what comes before. Quite unique and all the better for it.
Winery website- http://www.capitalwines.com.au/