Pink & popular
As a fresh, chilled alternative to white wines, rosé is New Zealand’s hot new wine style. Over the past five years, every second producer has plunged into the market and rosé exports have soared by more than 800%.
Most rosés are dry or slightly off-dry. Those grown from Hawke’s Bay north are often based on merlot, but not always. By contrast, rosés from the Wairarapa and southern regions are usually made from pinot noir (although those labelled “pinot rosé” are frequently blends of pinot noir and pinot gris).
With salmon, rosé can be a magical match.
Aitken’s Folly Riverbank Road Wānaka Central Otago Rosé 2021
Delicious young, this vivacious wine was made from pinot noir, estate grown and handpicked at Wānaka. Bright pink, it is attractively scented, very fresh and lively, with rich cherry, strawberry and watermelon flavours that are crisp, dryish and lingering. $25
Askerne Sérieux Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2021
“Sérieux” is French for “serious”. This classy wine was blended principally from mourvèdre and carménère, and partly (28%) barrel-fermented. Bright pink, it is fragrant and vibrantly fruity, with strong yet delicate watermelon, strawberry and spice flavours. It is showing good complexity and
