What styles of wine should a district make? The classical answer would be to grow varieties that are best suited to the climate. About this I am not so sure since many varieties make good wines across a wide climate range.
Now Rosé, being a style of wine, means there are no rules so it can be made any way, any where and from any variety. It helps though in defining the styles of a district to make some wines from varieties that thrive in that district’s climate.
The Barossa Valley is a warm climate region and at times can be hot during harvest. So, are there one or two varieties that can also be used to make an interesting or unique Rosé?
What has been noted in the Barossa since the 1950s is the complexity that develops in Rosé made from Grenache a variety which develops its highest potential in warm climates. Mataro is another variety that achieves its greatness in the Barossa Valley. Bring the two together in a Rose and we find magic is created.
Alas over the last five years Grenache and Mataro are now sought after for red wines so grape prices have moved upwards. Rosé is often seen as a cheaper wine, yet we will have to accept that using the grapes alters the price for Rosé.
This Harem Rosita 2022 reminded me of the Harem Rosita Rosé Grenache Cinsault 2013 which I still rate as one of the greatest of all wines we have offered. About this Rosé I said, ‘Forget the insinuation of the pale delicate rusty pink colour, as this is simply very great wine which is fruity, bone dry, bitter-sweet and offers challenges’. Insinuation meaning – because it’s a rosé do not expect a simple, quaffing, sweet style. This comment applies to the remarkable Rosita 2022 which will develop for many years.
The first Rosita was the Harem ‘Rosita’ Barossa Valley Mourvedre Grenache Rosé 2006.
