As Jancis Robinson herself, the English wine critic, once said, "a serious and well-made rosé can offer as much fruit, structure and satisfaction as a red wine." Beyond the fact that rosés are a style in themselves and have their own identity, some still choose them exclusively in summer for seasonal consumption. And if there is one thing that can be emphasized about rosé wine, it is that it is the most versatile style of wine to match any meal, at any time of the year. That is why on this rosé day, which is celebrated every June 11, we are going to rescue some of its great qualities.

To make a quality rosé wine, you have to think about it from the vineyard, like any other style of wine. Thus, defining the harvest date, according to the chosen red variety, the terroir where the vineyard is located and the production times in the cellar, will make each bottle of rosé wine have its own stamp.

Why are there currently more and more rosés in Argentina that are so different from each other? Because being born from different varieties of grapes, made with different maceration times and born in different regions, to speak of rosés is to literally speak of an enormous universe of possibilities. Currently there are many rosé labels with unique personalities and even some wineries already have their icon or premium rosés.

the best value

Nieto Senetiner Believe in Rosé 2020 (suggested price $635) is a pale pink wine, onion skin type, inspired by the tones of the Côte de Provence, the oldest French region and famous for its rosés. This wine is made up of 50% Malbec and 50% Pinot Noir, grapes from the Uco Valley, Mendoza. Its aromas are reminiscent of acidic red fruits, citrus notes and orange blossoms. On the palate it is fine and refreshing. It is a fresh wine, due to its particular acidity and easy to enjoy at any time of the day or occasion. Although it is usually a wine consumed and associated with the summer season, the reality is that rosés are ideal to drink at any time of the year, even to enjoy as an aperitif.

It is recommended to serve it between 7 and 8º and to accompany it it pairs very well with a wide variety of dishes, such as seafood, rice dishes, soft cheeses, tapas, salads and fresh desserts.

Top: This wine was chosen by Tim Atkin as "Best Value Rose of The Year" in 2020.

the patagonic

Saurus Estate Rosé de Pinot Noir 2020 (suggested price $560) from the Familia Schroeder winery, with the presentation of the latest vintage, renewed its aesthetic that focuses on the story of the discovery of the remains of a dinosaur during the construction of the winery.

This rosé is in the typical style of Provence and is made with the winery's star variety: Pinot Noir, which in the south of Argentina expresses itself in the best way with a typically Patagonian smoothness and freshness.

During its production, it underwent a two-hour cold maceration inside the pneumatic press protected by dry ice, and then a gentle crushing at low pressure. No malolactic fermentation was carried out to maintain the natural acidity and it remained for 4 months at a controlled low temperature, in stainless steel tanks, on its fine lees, to obtain unctuousness, creaminess and preserve the fresh fruit. Its delicate pale pink color is associated with the elaboration of short maceration. Easy to drink, its lively acidity, fluidity and friendliness stand out.

Important: as the wine was naturally stabilized, it may present possible precipitates.

the sparkling

Cruzat cuvée rosé extra brut (suggested price $1,380), from Bodega Cruzat, the only Argentine winery dedicated exclusively to production using the traditional method, is a sparkling wine made with the two flagship varietals of the Champagne region: 90% Pinot Noir + 10% Chardonnay, from Tupungato, in the Uco Valley, Mendoza.

Subtle and attractive salmon color, on the nose it has a great predominance of red, tropical fruits and notes of toasted bread. On the palate it is voluminous, with light and elegant tannins. The balance of acidity given by the small percentage of Chardonnay, provides a sensation of freshness in the mouth. Ideal to accompany pasta with intense and consistent sauces, red meat, game such as hare, wild boar and sweet desserts.

The critic: Tim Atkin: 92 points. James Suckling: 92 points. Uncorked: 91 points. Decanter: Trophy.

the natural

Supernatural Frisante Rosado 2020 (suggested price $880) from Bodega Chakana, is one of the leading labels of its supernatural line, which produces organic, biodynamic and natural wines -without any added sulfur. They are wines without any intervention, made without preservatives and based on a single ingredient: the grape.

The 2020 vintage is made up of 70% Tannat, 25% Malbec, 5% Syrah, with grapes from Finca Nuna, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza at 960 meters above sea level. This pétillant naturel or pet'nat, its colloquial diminutive, is the ancestral method of making sparkling wines, since after the direct pressing of the grapes, a spontaneous fermentation takes place, with subsequent bottling before the end of the fermentation, to achieve a natural bubble. Once completed, the bottle is disgorged, to perform the clarification, and finally each bottle is filled with the same wine. The carbon dioxide present in the wine enhances the freshness of this rosé with a low alcohol content (12.5º) and protects it from oxidation. Supernatural Frisante Rosado is ideal for drinking fresh and is very versatile as an aperitif or with fresh dishes.

Certifications: Organic, biodynamic by Demeter, vegan and GMO free.

the top

Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2020 (suggested price $2243) by Susana Balbo Wines was born when the first Argentine winemaker decided to experiment with a new wine, fresh, aromatic, with a very seductive pink color made "a la Provence" where the winemaking team uses techniques similar to those implemented for whites: early harvest, a subtle pressure to achieve that soft pink reminiscent of onion skin or salmon. The result, an unbeatable fresh, citrus, mineral wine with sweet aromas of red fruits.

The varietal composition of the 2020 vintage has 60% Malbec + 40% Pinot Noir, grapes from the Uco Valley, at 1050 meters above sea level.

At sight it presents a very elegant salmon color. On the nose it has a subtle floral profile with delicate aromas of nuts. On the palate, its freshness and juicy acidity combine perfectly with flavors of currants and strawberries. It has very good balance and structure. Due to its pleasant tension on the palate, it can be drunk alone or with meals. Ideal with smoked salmon, Asian food, grilled white meats or hard cheeses. The suggested service temperature is between 9°C and 12°C.

The fact: Following the innovative line of the winery, this rosé is low in alcohol, it has only 12º and is also covered with a tempered glass stopper. "This closure is not only aesthetic and creative, but it is also made of a clean, pure and inert material that guarantees a stable evolution inside the bottle and completely eliminates the risk of TCA. In addition, the low oxygen impact keeps the the perfection of the aroma and the expression of the terroir. The opening ceremony of each bottle is at the same time sophisticated, agile and easy" says Ana Lovaglio, Marketing Manager of the winery.

Mariana Gil JuncalGraduated in social communication, journalist and sommelier.

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