3 top rose wines to greet February
A Nero, a Pinot and a blend
Sometimes even Santa Claus is fed up with winter and opens a bottle of fresh, crispy rosé wine – it must be the reason behind a special wine contest organized in Hungary annualy. National ’Miklós’ Day Rosé Contest is held on Miklós day, 6th December, when traditionally Santa Claus visits Hungarian homes to place sweets and fruits in the kids’ boots placed in the windows. All the jury members to evaluate the wines are called Miklós. The results were announced at the end of December, but as now we are waiting for the spring, it’s high time to pick three exciting rosé wines from the gold medal winning entries.
The whole list of medal winning wines (’aranyérem’ means gold medal)
Néró, Frittmann Winery, Kunság, 2017
Néró is a grape variety selected in Hungary in 1965. The name refers to the deep colour of the berry, but also the crazy Roman Emperor. The grape is resistant, therefore chemical spraying is not needed. Another advantage of Néro is that it produces an excessed amount of antioxidant which is rescued in the wine. Medium rose colour. The fragrance is in a perfect harmony with the taste dominated by red berries like cherry, ripe raspberry, rose-hip and strawberry. The sip is bursting with red berry aromas, supported by vivid acids. Ethereal and dynamic. Excellent companion for hot or cold appetizers, for light dish and for salmon.
Pinot Noir, Haraszthy Winery, Etyek–Buda, 2017
Besides the strawberry and raspberry notes, it is enhanced with a touch of cranberry while still keeping a vivid acidity. This sulfit free rosé is a perfect match with cold cuts and salami. This rosé reveals beautifully an umami and savory character.
Roségold, Garamvári Winery, South Balaton, 2017
„The Best Rosé of Hungary” title goes to Garamvári’s bottle. Here is how they made: „We harvest Pinot Noir and Syrah from the young plantations planted in 2007 in the above single vineyards. After pressing we ferment and mature it in tanks following reductive technology. Wine made in this way is a typical refreshment for summer, where the restrained elegance of Pinot Noir is completed by the spicy and lively acids of Syrah.”
“I’d like to open a bottle of this at the age of 90…”
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