A rose' by any other name

It is that time of year in the So Hemisphere; rose' time of year. Be warned, readers; not all rose' wines are akin. Indeed, they can vary in colour, price and substance. Further, they vary in method of production, from skin contact (the best), to saignee' (where the pink juice is extracted to enhance tannins) to merely a blend of red and white wine.

Rarely does a back label tell us the varietal, or varieties. I have two favourites from the family of rose' wines.

Since I visited Torres Chile in 2010, their Santa Digna cabernet sauvignon rose' has been my first choice. Availability is sometimes scarce, but be assured your pursuit will be well rewarded.

I have often been a sceptic of pinot noir rose'. Why, you ask? Well, given pinot noir is an expensive grape to grow, because of its low yield, often producers will, in poor harvest years, produce a rose' when the fruit was not up to standard for a varietal red wine.

Well; I have found an exception, and what a delight it is. From Martinborough on New Zealand's north island, I happened upon the Escarpment Rose', of 100% pinot noir.

As with all wines new to me, I take a glass on each of four evenings, in order to conclude a fair appraisal. If served blind one, could not mistake the varietal character of this wine. I poured it in three different Riedel stems; herbaceous white, pinot noir, and finally my preferred stem. Don't be shocked, readers, it is the Oaked Chardonnay stem which served this beautiful rose' best. Further, it became more generous each evening. The fourth stem was a screamer.

Further evidence: there is always something to be learned about this wonderful product called wine.

Until next time, imbibe well. Again, your questions always welcome.