WITH TONY LOVE BOTTLE STOP
It’s a pink tsunami. A flood of fuchsia. A rush of blush.
The biggest trend in our drinking habits in years is all about going pink.
We’re drinking rosé faster than ever, with the category growing more than 65 per cent in value nationwide and more than 53 per cent in volume in the past year, according to liquor industry sales data.
The rising tide of rosé is in the mainstream now, with growth in all genders, ages and social demographics, so say retailers and wine producers.
The new pinks suit our Australian lifestyle, says Trina Smith, Jacob’s Creek rosé and sparkling winemaker.
“Our climate suits the new rosés, and being more savoury and delicate. They are really food-friendly,” Smith says.
“And the fact that the rosé trend has spread across all demographics tells how versatile the wine is.”
The Jacob’s Creek Le Petit Rosé ($17), which Smith makes, is Australia’s biggestselling domestic rosé, tapping into the French vibe of the popular new styling of Australian rosé and crafting its pale pink tones and savoury notes from three varieties that genuinely suit – pinot noir, grenache and Mataro.
It’s youthful and seasonal, with aromatic crushed white-to-red cherry notes, a delicate waft of rose garden (leaf and flower), and refreshingly light to medium bodied with just enough finishing mouth-feel to aid a healthy grazing platter.
The big move is in the rise of the quality of the wines, Smith says.
“We look for redcurrant and spicy fruit flavours,” she says. “We’re trying to make an elegant, savoury style but leveraging the vibrancy and crunchy freshness of Australian fruit.”
With the silly season in full swing, the pink revolution can also be embraced in the form of bubbles. The style can suit straight-up cork-popping celebrations as well as many eats. There’s nothing better than a fresh and exciting rosé sparkling on Christmas Day, perfect for that midmorning and pre-lunch pick-me-up and capable also of matching the classic spread from seafood to poultry.
One of the latest to re really impress from N North East Tasmania is fo former Jansz winemaker N Natalie Fryar’s own label, th the Bellebonne 2015 V Vintage Rosé ($65), which has just hit the shelves in time to stock up for the festive week.
It’s all pinot noir from a small and very cool Pipers Brook vineyard, tenderly nurtured to reveal pure pinot rosé aromas and flavours, wild strawberry, subtle spices and a white mushroom earthiness, delivered with a fine effervescence.