ROSECOLOURED GLASSES
The top quality of the wines in this tasting prove that NZ rosés are here to stay, writes JOHN BELSHAM.
ROSÉ HAS BECOME the fastest-growing wine trend in the world. In the major wine markets of the United States, UK, Germany, France and Australia this trend has grown at such a rate that rosé is now one of the most significant wine styles competing alongside chardonnay, pinot grigio (or gris) and sauvignon blanc. Unlike other recent wine trends, rosé is not constrained by variety or region. When made well it has an aura of luxury that reminds us of sunshine and fun times. It is as much a colour and an emotion as it is a wine, and as such is much featured on social media. Rosé now has such a foothold in the market that it is here for the long haul.
Although New Zealand has been a latecomer to the pink party, we are now seeing consistent growth in the sector. The number of labels and the quality of New Zealand rosé has also risen markedly with more beautiful colours, more fruit intensity and drier, better-balanced wines.