2005 Chandon Vintage Brut Rosé
Yarra Valley, Victoria
While it is bordering on a clique, nothing quite says romance and getting into the celebratory mood in one breath like a sparkling rosé. But there is nothing cliqued about the Chandon 2005 Rosé. Made from 52% Pinot Noir / 46% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Meunier, with over two years resting on its lees before bottling, the result is a dry wine that has plenty of vintage character and complexity and fine bubbles.
The colour is more of a bronzy rockmelon and there are some melon notes in the aroma, but there is also strawberry and some supporting minerality and a lightly baked almond biscotti made with a few cherries thrown in. The flavours complement the aromas well with more creamy biscuit characters, berries and stonefruit, and a slightly smoky savoury finish. It is a crisp sipping wine that is a great aperitif or will match very nicely with a delicate smoked salmon and angel hair pasta starter.
If you prefer a lighter rosé, then Chandon also create a Non-Vintage Rosé which has more of a pink hue, and creamy strawberries and ripe stonefruit characters but is still dry and crisply refreshing.
Distribution: widely distributed
Value: $39.95 for the vintage and $29.00 for the non-vintage
© Lisa Johnston January 2009
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, February 2010
