Who makes it?

Charlie Melton is a dab hand and specialises in making Rhone styled wine with a definite South Australian drawl from Barossa shiraz and grenache, sourcing grapes from his own, and nearby, old vine vineyards. The ‘Rose of Virginia’ is a rosé with a rich depth of colour and even though this wine has some residual sugar to balance the fruit on this beauty, this is still a dry style rosé full of flavour and texture. 

How do they make it?

In the past the Rose of Virginia has been a very Rhonish blend. However, lately this blend also includes some Pinot Meunier. It is still made to keep that fruit central to its core and it is very well balanced. 

What does it taste like?

The colour is of a bright pink. The flavours are just as intense as the colour. Perfumed and spicy raspberry and cherry take on an almost citrus appeal in its intensity. It is fuller in body as you might expect from the colour but is not larger than life, plus there is a silkiness to the texture kept fresh with some acid for balance. 

Don’t be worried about keeping these wines for a while in your cellar. I found one hiding in a corner that was nearing 10 years old and it was sublime.

What to drink with it?

At all times, this remains a stylish rosé that is made for lush fruity enjoyment and it is an excellent match with food whether at a BBQ or restaurant.

Cheese?

It does do well with some Brie or even a Manchego topped with some quince paste. Or even better, topped with some Maggie Beer’s cabernet paste. Superb!

Quickie review « It is a well known Australian benchmark rosé for an excellent deeper colour rose with impeccable balance. A deeper coloured wine done very well.»

Country of Origin: Barossa Valley, Australia 
Tasting Date: June 2021
Price:  UK £21 | AU $30 | USD$++
Drink: now – 5+ year
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

Like the sound of this Australian rose, you might like the
Dowie Doole Rose
Or read about some of the best from the South of France

Visit Charles Melton for more information.