| 2021 Marlborough Rosé | $28.00 | ★★★ |
| 2021 Astrolabe Comelybank Vineyard Waihopai Valley Rosé | $32.00 | ★★★☆ |
New Zealand Rosé production has grown apace, following the global trend. Currently rosé is the fastest growing wine style domestically as well as the fourth largest export category – 2020’s export volumes were 10 times that of 2010. There’s even a dedicated Rosé Day each February. Astrolabe recently released two rather beautifully labelled examples that span the two main styles that seem to be emerging locally – fresh and fruity, dry and ‘serious’.
The 2021 Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé is the first release of this label, made from 55% pinot noir and 45% pinot gris with fruit from the Awatere Valley and Kekerengu Coast. It’s pale pink, dry-ish with red cherry, floral, almost candyfloss notes. Generously fruity while staying light on its feet, it’s cheery and fun.
By contrast, the 2021 Astrolabe Comelybank Vineyard Waihopai Valley Rosé is a more savoury, textural example, made from 85% pinot noir and 15% pinot gris from a single vineyard in the Waihopai Valley. Red currants, raspberry and strawberry, a hint of violet and rosemary, it has a more restrained personality with brisk acidity that gives it a crunchy, fresh palate with good fruit weight and length.
