Chalmers - Rosato 2018

Chalmers – Rosato 2018 (87 TSW)

SUN ALERT!! From the beginning of next week we will reach the first tropical temperatures in the Netherlands with 36 degrees Celsius. It is very important that you have enough rosé wine cold at these temperatures. This Chalmers Rosato from the heathcote region is made from mostly Aglianico with a splash of Nero d’Avola and Sagrantino. Very unusual for this region but I already told that the winemaker felt in love with these Italian varieties while visiting Italy for holiday.

All three varieties are growing on the prized top block at the Heathcote vineyard which is a complex rocky site with green basalt, ironstone, dolerite and fractured limestone. The block gives a distinct elegance and prettiness to the red varieties grown there, even though these varieties are usually more muscular. The Aglianico portion is fermented in old barriques and the other two are co-fermented in stainless steel to retain freshness.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a salmon, copper color.
On the medium nose aromas if strawberries, red berries and nectarine with hints of roses and light yeast notes.
On the palate dry, medium-bodied with nice freshness and acidity. It’s light waxy in the mouth but easy going. The finish has a nice refreshng length.

The 2017 Rosato is a versatile wine that can simply be enjoyed on it’s own on a warm sunny day or matched perfectly to cured meats or antipasto. Being both pretty and textured, yet offering great acidity and length, it would also be at home with more substantial dishes.