Summer and rose wine have a perfect synergy. They are lighter-bodied, with fresh, fruity-forward flavours that pair well with summer cuisine, including seafood, fresh fruits and wholesome salads. So, to tempt you with what is our favourite wine variety, Joelle Thomson shares the pretty, pink wines to enjoy under the sun.
ERADUS SADIE ROSĆ, $16.
This 2024 dry, light-bodied rose is a downright delicious pink wine made from a quirky blend of 48 per cent Pinot Gris, 48 per cent Chenin Blanc, and 4 per cent Pinot Noir. Add the unique microclimate and soil structure at Awatere Valley, within the famous Marlborough wine region, where the grapes are grown, and this fruity, bone-dry pink wine makes for an excellent aperitif and versatile or to enjoy over a long lunch on a warm day.
Graze with: warm olives
Dine with: chicken and crunchy green bean salad
Rating: 17.5/20
Blue Earth RosƩ $38.
Martinborough, the heart of the Wairarapa wine region, is dedicated to Pinot Noir wine production, so it makes sense that the rosƩ is also super tasty from here. Like most pink wines from Martinborough, this 2023 variety is made entirely from Pinot Noir. Flavours are dry with summer berries and lovely, lively freshness in each lingering sip.
Graze with: light sesame crackers and a soft cheese or patƩ
Dine with: panfried fish with light green salad leaves
Rating:18.5/20
Coal Pit Pinot Noir RosƩ, $38.
This 2024 next-level rosƩ from Central Otago has light skin contact, which provides a beautiful, clean, bright pink hue with the aromas of summer berries, such as strawberries and raspberries. It is tight, fresh, light-bodied, and intensely flavoursome, with a long, zesty finish.
Graze with: walnut crackers and goatās cheese
Dine with: pumpkin and thyme risotto
Rating:18.5/20
Soho Family Westwood Carter Vineyard, $30.
This beautiful 2024 rosĆ© from Soho is made in a style that oozes summer. Winemaker James Rowan uses grapes grown on the Soho Waiheke Island vineyard. This warm and sunny site translates directly into the summery berry flavours of this off-dry, medium-bodied rosĆ©. Itās exceptional.
Graze with: strawberries and goatās cheese
Dine with: Summer salads or a Charcuterie platter
Rating:18.5/20
Valli The Real McCoy Pinot Gris, $45.
Dry, savoury, and deliciously refreshing, this orange wine is made from Pinot Gris, which sometimes has a slight tinge of colour. Thatās exactly where this pale orange hue comes from. It's lovely and dry in taste, bursting with summer aromas of apricot, peach, mandarin, and wild sage on the finish. Delicious.
Graze with: strong cheese and seasonal fruit
Dine match: panfried fresh fish and fresh. rocket leaves
Rating:18/20
Roaring Meg Pinot Noir RosƩ, $23.
Welcome to the taste of summer in this light 2024 bodied rosƩ, bursting with berry fruit flavours and lively freshness. This is one of the first pink wines of the year to hit the shelves near you; snap it up and enjoy.
Graze with: soft cheese with nutty crackers
Dine with: melon and prosciutto with salad leaves
Rating:18/20
The gift guide to suit every style.