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Rose Introduction

Important information if you are sensitive to Sulphites

We're heading into Rose wine season so for those of you who are sensitive to sulphites in wines here's something you should know. Most Rose wines contain comparatively high levels of sulphites, which are needed to help preserve the colour and resist fading. For this reason we don't list many Rose wines as it's difficult to find ones with low sulphite content. We're not taking any chances here and even those which only affect Jane very slightly are being given a medium sulphite rating. Only those that don't affect Jane at all will be given a low sulphite rating, so stick to these and you should be fine. It's very very difficult to find a cheap Rose which is low in additives, most of them tend to be £8 or above for a properly made, low sulphite wine.

For sulphite intolerant people looking for a Rose wine we now stock a virtually sulphur free Rose from Domaine Viret called Solstice. We also have 3 others which are superb quality and very low in free sulphur, Sera Lori and the two Pinot Noirs from Tarras. Finally the Pongracz sparkling Rose is very low in free sulphur and fantastic - we drink plenty of it ourselves!
 
 

Frey White Zinfandel - Sulphite free natural wine
Pale copper in colour. Good fruit flavours of peach and raspberry. Again very clean with a dry finish. Exceptionally rare to find a sulphite free Rose which is as good as this. Please note this wine is dry in style, not the artificially sweetened typical White Zin that has flooded the supermarkets and damaged the reputation of this grape variety.

Frey Website

Further Information on Frey White Zinfandel - Sulphite free natural wine

Price: £10.99


Case discounts available

Case Size



Sulphite Content:
Awards:
John's Rating

Free Sulphur (Current)
0 mg/l
Organic Wine
Vegan
Sustainable Farming

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Frey White Zinfandel - Sulphite free natural wine
 
 

Malbrontes Rose 2010 75cl
A very interesting concept from renowned Argentine winemaker Mauricio Lorca, with a little inspiration from the UK. Malbrontes is a blend of the two great Argentine grapes Malbec and Torrontes. I was sceptical at first, and even more sceptical when I saw the label - we found out the hard way that Mauricio's wife takes great pride in her wine labels though, so we said nothing (this time)! The wine however is a real winner. The blend really works producing a rich, full wine with an almost creamy texture. There's delicious strawberry fruit, not sweet, making it the perfect aperitif or companion to summer foods like salads. The sulphur levels are also low which is unusual for a Rose at this price point, and goes to show it was well made with quality fruit.

Further Information on Malbrontes Rose 2010 75cl

Price: £9.18


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating


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Malbrontes Rose 2010 75cl
 
 

Susana Balbo Zohar Rose of Malbec 2009 75cl
14% abv. A fantastic Rose from Susana. Plenty of fruit with a full, creamy texture - we likened it to drinking rhubarb and custard! Very well balanced, dry finish with good length. Great stuff!

Susana Balbo Website

Further Information on Susana Balbo Zohar Rose of Malbec 2009 75cl

Price: £9.18


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating


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Susana Balbo Zohar Rose of Malbec 2009 75cl
 
 

Solstice Rose Domaine Viret Natural Wine 75cl
Please note the bottle was photographed with a professional flash - it's not so bright and vibrant in real life!

At last a virtually sulphite free Rose! I say 'virtually' because this wine is made with a little residual sugar to lend a touch of sweetness, so Philippe has added a minimal amount of sulphur to control these sugars. The amount really is tiny - far less than you'd find in a good low sulphite red. This is probably one of the lowest sulphur Rose wines produced anywhere in the world. Strong fruit flavours, very well balanced acidity and a crisp finish with just a lift of sweetness. It will suit lovers of dry Rose or those with a sweeter tooth. Delicious as an aperitif or on a hot summer's day.

Philippe has now sold out of this year's Rose so no more will be available till March 2012. We have about half a pallet left - so you're advised to buy now as this won't last long!

Domaine Viret Website

Further Information on Solstice Rose Domaine Viret Natural Wine 75cl

Price: £8.99


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating

Free Sulphur (Current)
6 mg/l
Bio Dynamic Wine
Organic Wine
Vegan
Sustainable Farming

Quantity:  


Solstice Rose Domaine Viret Natural Wine 75cl
 
 

Argiolas Serra Lori Rosato Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2010 75cl
Robert Parker - 89 Points

13.5% abv. This is a lovely Rose. A nose of strawberries, so it comes as no suprise to get strong strawberry flavours on the palate. Plenty of fruit with a full mouthfeel and creamy texture. The wine has a crisp, dry finish leaving you wanting more. Ideal as an aperitif, for sipping in the garden or can partner certain foods such as chicken or white meats. Reminiscent of unsugared stawberries and cream!

Argiolas Website

Further Information on Argiolas Serra Lori Rosato Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2010 75cl

Price: £9.38


Sulphite Content:
Awards:

RP
John's Rating


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Argiolas Serra Lori Rosato Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2010 75cl
 
 

Tarras Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose Central Otago 2008 75cl
The flash phography distorts the colour and makes the wine look very vibrant in colour. It's actually a pale pink (not a vibrant orange!) as you can see from the neck.

Tarras is a tiny operation making very limited quantities of world class wines. This rose is absolutely delicious, big fruit initially - like drinking strawberries and cream if that were possible! Lovely mouthfeel with great length and a dry finish. Just perfect for summer! Limited Availability. The 2009 has just won Air New Zealand Gold Medal.



Further Information on Tarras Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose Central Otago 2008 75cl

Price: £12.20


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating

90 Points

Quantity:  


Tarras Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose Central Otago 2008 75cl
 
 

Tarras Vineyards Florian Reserve Pinot Noir Rose Central Otago 2008 75cl
The flash phography distorts the colour and makes the wine look very vibrant in colour. It's actually a pale pink (not a vibrant orange!) as you can see from the neck.

IWC Bronze Medal

Tarras is a tiny operation making very limited quantities of world class wines. This rose is world class. A barrel fermented and aged Pinot Noir! This gives the wine body and complexity to accompany the wonderful strawberry fruit flavours. Like their 'standard' wine above, it's like strawberries and cream with even more depth and length. Extremely limited - they only made 147 cases!



Further Information on Tarras Vineyards Florian Reserve Pinot Noir Rose Central Otago 2008 75cl

Price: £16.28


Sulphite Content:
Awards:

IWC
John's Rating

93 Points

Quantity:  


Tarras Vineyards Florian Reserve Pinot Noir Rose Central Otago 2008 75cl
 
 

Pongracz Rose 75cl
Wine Magazine Method Cap Classique Gold Medal 2010. Decanter Bronze Medal 2010

Again extremely limited, it's a new wine for Pongracz made in tiny quantities and sold on an allocation only basis. Fabulous wine, like a Laurent Perrier Rose! Salmon pink with tiny bubbles. Lovely flavours with great length, superbly balanced acidity. Fine concentrated mousse which lasts and lasts. I predict the price of this wine will rocket as it gets discovered. It's a real bargain at this price - limited stocks of course, so be quick!

Pongracz website



Further Information on Pongracz Rose 75cl

Price: £11.99


Sulphite Content:
Awards:

WM-MCC
John's Rating

92 Points

Quantity:  


Pongracz Rose 75cl
 
 

Tapiz Malbec Rose 2009 75cl
A fairly dark red in colour for a rose wine, full of delicious strong red fruit flavours. Well balanced acidity and a dry finish. It's a lovely refreshing wine ideal to enjoy on a summer's day, as an aperitif or to accompany light dishes. It's very difficult to find affordable roses low in sulphites but Jane can enjoy this one with no reaction whatsoever. Highly recommended.

Tapiz Website

Further Information on Tapiz Malbec Rose 2009 75cl

Price: £8.65


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating


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Tapiz Malbec Rose 2009 75cl
 
 

Aresti Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Rose 2008 75cl
Chile. 13.5% abv. Aresti have blended in some Carmenere to the Cabernet Sauvignon for this vintage, although they've kept the style and flavour of the wine virtually identical to the 2007 Cab Sauv. It's still strawberry red in colour with good strong fruit flavours, dry finish and great length. This wine is delicious, one of the nicest roses I've had for a long time. Very similar in style to good Spanish. Recommended.

The sulphite content is a little higher though, although way lower than a factory produced wine. Jane had a very mild reaction to this one so we've given it a medium rating. If you're sensitive to sulphites I advise giving it a miss. If like me, sulphites have no obvious affect on you, this is a great wine for an aperitif or to accompany white meats.

Further Information on Aresti Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Rose 2008 75cl

Price: £5.76


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating


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Aresti Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Rose 2008 75cl
 
 

El Coto Rioja Rosado 2007 75cl
Jane just tried this wine again this week and had a very mild reaction to the sulphites, so if you're sulphite sensitive I suggest giving it a miss. She also said how much she enjoyed though. Good fruit with a nice dry finish.



Further Information on El Coto Rioja Rosado 2007 75cl

Price: £5.58


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating


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El Coto Rioja Rosado 2007 75cl
 
 

Moncaro Rosaspina Marche IGT Rosato 75cl
12.5% abv. A pleasant, easy drinking fruity rose ideal for a sunny afternoon. Plenty of fruit with a dry finish. It's a simple straight forward quaffing wine, but very enjoyable. Jane had a very mild reaction to the sulphites so if you react to sulphites it's probably best to give it a miss. I however thoroughly enjoyed it with no adverse affects.



Further Information on Moncaro Rosaspina Marche IGT Rosato 75cl

Price: £6.00


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating


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Moncaro Rosaspina Marche IGT Rosato 75cl
 
 

R H Phillips Night Harvest White Zinfandel 2008 75cl
California. 11% abv. We now stock the new 'Night Harvest' label, emphasising the practice of night time harvesting for marketing reasons. It's the same wine as the former label. (Picture of the old label is for reference only). A pale rose with a floral nose and strawberry flavours.

R H Phillips Website

Further Information on R H Phillips Night Harvest White Zinfandel 2008 75cl

Price: £7.74


Sulphite Content:
John's Rating





OUT OF STOCK

R H Phillips Night Harvest White Zinfandel 2008 75cl