What a fantastic time of year it is when we can drink rose again. Just in time, La Linea has released their 2014 Tempranillo Rose – what a happy coincidence, and I say that with no hint of tongue in cheek. I the love warmer weather and I particularly look forward to drinking rose at this time of year. I've said it before but it's the perfect drink for our climate. Better still, rose is not the same kind of drink as some of the more serious styles. Rose is for enjoyable, non-complicated drinking, exactly what summer in Australia is all about. Yep, that's right: I don't think rose is a serious drink.
But it's still a seriously good drink: just not one that should consume too much brain space or connoisseur dribble. Rose should be dry, slightly pink with good flavour and with not too much alcohol or residual sugar. Pretty simple really, and when a winery gets it right, as is the case with La Linea's 2014, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy.
This is a classic dry style reminiscent of so many delicious Mediterranean rose. Lovely, cherry, dried-leaf flavours on a bed of dry fresh acidity. Simple, no fuss, and oh so enjoyable on a warm afternoon or evening.
* Fergus McGhie is marketing manager at Mount Majura Winery in Canberra.
