Two notable things in today’s post.
First it responds to the views expressed in earlier comments that many of the current batch of modestly priced rosés are dull and unremarkable.
Here, though, is one I can recommend – and it has surprises for us.
The first is that is its homeland – Southwestern France.
The second is its grape variety – negrette.
Read on for more details.
The other surprise is that neither of today’s Top Tips is from a supermarket.
As High Street prices ascend, so the gap to specialist retailers narrows.
Not only that, but even more careful selection is needed when considering wines with bargain basement prices – quality can be increasingly patchy.
Do remember, though, that indies and the like often have minimum order quantities and delivery charges.
Once again, pictures and hyperlinks are included where possible to make it easier to track down the wine in question.
First, news of prices held.
2022 The Society’s White Rioja (£9.25 at The Wine Society and 12% abv)
Happy to feature The Wine Society in today’s Top Tips and not just because of the quality of their wines.
Despite all the upward pressure on prices such as alcohol tax and general inflation, the Society have held most own label prices at May 2023 levels – now there’s something to cheer!
White Rioja never really reached the heights its red equivalents frequently scaled but this viura and malvasia blend shows just how good carefully selected options can be.
The colour of white gold and medium bodied, it is centred around smooth apple, greengage and white currant flavours.
These are accompanied by sharp lime acidity within a herbal, savoury influenced and mildly spicy framework.
And, then, the rosé
2024 Violette de Mireval (£8.99 – instead of £9.99 until 20 May – at Laithwaite and 11%):
Since southwestern France’s Comté Tolosan region covers a large and diverse area, its wines are less easy to predict than those from well-defined and often carefully regulated appellations.
No need to worry whether this is a good buy though – it is excellent.
It uses the local negrette grape to produce a rosé that capitalises brilliantly on the smoothness, freshness and soft fruit elements that the variety does well.
Pale in colour yet attractively perfumed, the result has a foundation of intricate cherry, peach and red currant flavours.
Support comes in the form of sharp acidity, nicely textured depth and a contrasting savoury twist.
Join me again on Thursday when we take a look at pinot gris (not grigio!).
