The virtues of Western Australian Rosé
Rosé is a versatile and refreshing style of wine that can range from pale pink to deep red, depending on the grape variety and winemaking technique. Rosé wines typically have fruity and floral aromas and flavours, such as strawberries, raspberries, rose petals, violets and hibiscus. Some wines can also exhibit more savoury and green notes, such as celery, green capsicum and olive. Rosé wines are great for pairing with a variety of dishes, especially seafood, salads, cheese, charcuterie and spicy Asian cuisine.
The best examples of Rosé wines are typically made from Mediterranean varieties such as Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre grown in Mediterranean climates which Western Australia has in spades. Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes can also produce some fine examples.
Margaret River is currently home to the most reverred Rosé wine producers and wines in Western Australia, and perhaps the country. Geographe and the Swan Valley are also reknowned for producing some fine examples.
Here are six Western Australian Rosé wines that we highly recommend you to try:
- 2023 Nocturne Carbunup SR Sangiovese Nebbiolo Rosé - Margaret River. This boutique winery in Margaret River is run by husband-and-wife team Julian and Alana Langworthy (Julian is also the head wine maker at Deep Woods Estatate. who are also behind the acclaimed Deep Woods Estate). This is a dry and crisp Rosé made from Sangiovese and Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Carbunup sub-region of Margaret River. It has a pale salmon colour and a delicate nose of red berries, citrus and herbs. The palate is light-bodied and refreshing, with flavours of cranberry, grapefruit and mint. This is a perfect wine to enjoy with grilled prawns, salmon or tuna.
- 2023 Deep Woods Estate Rosé - Margaret River. This is a popular and award-winning Rosé from Margaret River, made from Shiraz and Tempranillo grapes. It has a bright pink colour and a vibrant nose of strawberries, cherries and watermelon. The palate is medium-bodied and juicy, with flavours of red fruits, spice and candy. This is a fun and fruity wine to drink with pizza, pasta or cheese platters.
- 2023 McHenry Hohnen Chloe Rosé - Margaret River. This is a complex and elegant 100% Mourvèdre Rosé from Margaret River, winner of the best rosé in show at the 2023 Margaret River wine show. This very pale rosé belies a powerfully flavoured, persistent and layered drink, and a true expression of the Provencal style. Floral notes of star jasmine and wet stone leap from the glass together with wild strawberry and fresh pastry undertones. The palate is creamy and textured, with juicy nectarine flavours and aromatic orange zest. Beautifully refreshing and very satisfying, this dry rosé shows definition and drive on the palate with an intriguing frame of tannins and a distinctive saline aftertaste. This is a sophisticated wine to pair with roast chicken, pork or lamb.
- 2023 Willow Bridge Estate Solana Rosé - Geographe. This is a fresh and lively Rosé from Geographe, made from Tempranillo grapes. It has a pale pink colour and a floral nose of rose petals, lychees and raspberries. The palate is light-bodied and crisp, with flavours of red berries, citrus and white pepper. This is a refreshing wine to sip with sushi, salads or Thai food.
- 2023 Marq Serious Rosé - Margaret River. This is a serious and structured Rosé from Margaret River, made from Grenache grapes in a Provencal style. It has a light peach colour and a subtle nose of strawberries, lychees and rose water. The palate is dry and mineral-driven, with flavours of red fruits, herbs and saline. This is a food-friendly wine to match with seafood paella, ratatouille or goat cheese.
- 2023 Nikola Estate Rosé - Swan Valley. This is a classic and elegant Rosé made from Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre grapes grown in the Swan Valley. It has a salmon-pink colour and a refined nose of strawberries, cherries, orange peel and spice. The palate is dry, medium-bodied and balanced, with smooth fruit flavours and a touch of minerality. This is a Rosé that can be enjoyed with food, especially Mediterranean dishes, such as paella, pasta and lamb.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about Western Australian Rosé wines. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Cheers!
Chris and the UP WA wine shop team
