Who makes it?

LeftField wines forms part of the larger Villa Maria brand portfolio. And Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s large wine producers. LeftField has a large range of line priced wines from all over the country. Undoubtedly true to the label’s moniker, there are indeed some rather interesting wines. Particulary, the Gisborne Albarino and the Hawkes Bay ‘The Hatchling’ which is an unusual blend of Merlot, Tempranillo, Cab Sav and Cab Franc.

How do they make it?

The Moon Shell Moth Rosé is no exception to the ‘leftfield’ rule. It is a blend of Hawkes Bay Merlot, Pinotage and Arneis. Of course, it is unusual to find both Pinotage (30% in 2020 vintage) and Arneis (15%) in New Zealand. Pinotage being a South African grape. And Arneis is a white wine grape from Italy. However, there are pockets of these to be found. 

The red wine grapes were fermented first and some residual sugar added after for balance. It is around 4 g/L. They then added the fermented Arneis to the blend.

What does it taste like?

This is a particularly fragrant rosé with the evocative scent of flowers and ripe peach and berries. It is silky and smooth under an ever so light grip of tannins. It is richer in body but there is no getting away from that very intense fruitiness.

What to drink with it?

The LeftField rosé has a mouthful of perfumed flavour and so will work really well with Thai spices or some a dish with some sweet chilli sauce. Undoubtedly, it will also go just fine with a salad with chicken, or haloumi… or both. Your choice.

Country of Origin: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand 
Tasting Date: June 2021
Price:  UK £11 | NZ$18
Drink: now 
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

Like the sound of LeftField rosé, you might like the
Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses
or Your summer is coming up rose …. from the south of France!

Visit LeftfieldWines for more information.