Described by the London Observer as Australia's finest pink wine, Rose of Virginia is distinctively perfumed thanks to the inclusion of a choice Grenache component, followed by the brooding characters of noble red grapes. At a time when growers were pulling out their vines to plant more fashionable varieties, Charlie was convincing farmers to keep their historic parcels of Grenache. Just ever so slightly away from the cloying, rich styles, Rose of Virginia is crisp and balanced to match the wide range of cuisines which have been her partners.
The limited production of the Charles Melton vineyards yield small berries of intense colour and flavour. Picking slightly early helps retain the natural acidity to give some zest and crispness on the palate. Grenache, the key component, is treated slightly more kindly by nature but still only delivers minimal harvests. Rose of Virginia employs a number of key techniques. Cofermentation of the varietals achieves lovely pink colour, a variation in skin contacts arrives at just the right combination of colour and tannin. several weeks of slow, cool fermentation is arrested when just a few grams of natural grape sugar remain, to soften rather than sweeten, bottled immediately to retain youth and enticing flavours.
Lovely vibrant crimson/ magenta hue, real depth of colour. Delicious young Grenche lift with a little touch of sweet mazipan that seems unique, a little pepper and spice. Fragrant turkish delight flavours, a light touch to the palate with just the right amount of acidity and flesh. Crisp and fresh avoiding any heaviness, just a nice quaffable weight.
