Village Vineyards Orchard Road Rose 2023

Village Vineyards Orchard Road Rosé is a dry, deeply flavoured Haw Orchard Road Rosé is ake’s Bay rosé with considerably more presence than the average pale summer pink. Strawberry, peach and watermelon meet pink peppercorn and Provençal herbs, with a rounded, weighty mid-palate sharpened by bright acidity and a clean, lightly savoury finish. Made entirely from Merlot grown on the Evans family’s small organic vineyard in Havelock North, it takes its name from the orchard fruit shop once run by the family nearby. Chill it well and bring it out with grilled salmon, charcuterie, soft cheese or a long lunch that has no immediate plans to end.

What the winery says:

The Merlot fruit is gently pressed, with the juice kept cold and stirred with its fine pulp to build flavour and texture before fermentation. A small portion is wild fermented in neutral oak, adding subtle depth without introducing overt oak character. Peach and watermelon are joined by pink peppercorn and Mediterranean herbs, while the vineyard’s clay-rich soils bring intensity and a broad, rounded palate. Zingy acidity keeps the wine dry, energetic and light through the finish.