A Rosé scattered path to true love…
Finding true love can be complicated, a winding path of love found, lost and found again. So whether your restaurant customers are toasting their true love, or simply raising a glass to the search, we’ve swiped right through our portfolio to find the most appealing contenders to serve with dinner tonight and over this Valentine’s weekend:-
The Hopefuls
Franciacorta Rosé Brut 2013, Azienda Agricola Ferghettina
Lombardia, Italy
Overlooking the beautiful Lake Iseo, just an hour’s drive from Verona, Ferghettina is one of the region’s most prized Franciacorta producers, with a stunning portfolio of sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Ferghettina’s Rosé Brut is a stunning metodo classic wine with a natural pink colour, produced from 100% Pinot Nero, and aged on fine lees for 3 years. The eye-catching, square-based bottle gives a greater surface area for lees to wine contact, and therefore greater complexity of flavour. Certain to reveal your inner Romeo or Juliet.
Perderberg Dry Land Collection ‘Courageous’ Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2015
Paarl, South Africa
The sure fire way to help pluck up the courage to pop the question and commit. From South Africa’s Paarl region, where the Perderberg winery has committed to dry land viticulture, an age old tradition which means the vines are not irrigated. The result of this restraint is smaller berries adding structure and complexity to this highly aromatic and richly textured Chenin. True love upon first sip!
The Romantics
Durello Spumante Brut ‘Palladiano’ NV
Veneto, Italy
If it’s a Valentine’s blind date then Durello is sure to impress. Not as ubiquitous as Prosecco this is the sparkling wine of choice in Verona bars. The name of the grape refers to the small, late-maturing berries (duro = hard). An award winning, refreshing and approachable style of fizz – yet with texture and depth underlying the bright fruit making it the perfect contender for a house fizz.
Cape Coral Circumstance Mourvèdre Rosé 2017, Waterkloof
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stunning views from Waterkloof’s restaurant perched high above the majestic sweep of False Bay has led many couples to wed there. The wines are no less stunning; this pale rosé is made from unirrigated, hand-harvested vines and gently coaxed from the horizontal press to create a wine with a deeply satisfying finish. And what better circumstance to find yourself in on Valentine’s Day!
Pasion de Bobal 2015, Bodega Sierra Norte
Utiel Requena, Spain
This well balanced and appealing red is made from late ripening Bobal grapes, harvested from the oldest low yielding vines on the Fuenteseca estate. It’s then matured in French oak barrels for six months. Passion comes to those who wait.
The Rebels
If forced romance doesn’t appeal then it’s time to rebel…
Cuvée Rebelle, Domaine de Rimauresq, Côtes de Provence Rosé 2016
Provence, France
A serious, full bodied style of rosé created to be enjoyed with food. This is winemaker Pierre Duffort’s reaction to the frivolous, fashionable ‘bling bling’ (as he describes them) rosé of recent years. Rebelle will entice customers back to a time when rosé was made in a slow, traditional style. Back to a time when romance had true meaning.
The Sceptics
Yangarra Estate ‘Ironheart’ Shiraz [Organic] 2010
McClaren Vale, South Australia
After years Peter Fraser and Shelley Torresan of Yangarra found a remarkable spot where soil, vine and soulful intent could produce a wine quite distinct from neighbouring blocks. They made their most eloquent expression of Shiraz named Ironheart after the red soils. So, if you have a customer who’s cynical about the chances of finding the perfect ‘one’ serve this and suggest they don’t give up!