Reviewed: 1 March 2013

In many ways, a blind tasting of Rosé and Moscato is more interesting (though not necessarily more enjoyable) than most of the tastings I do here at Fine Wine Club. The reason for this is the diversity of styles that are offered up to the consumer as well as the tendency for the wines to be at the cheaper end of the price/quality scale.

The result is that many wines do not make it to these pages. The overly sweet and simple wines are automatically excluded as are the ones that lack any sort of typicity.

Of the wines reviewed here, the Emeri by De Bortoli is my pick. The relatively low alcohol (8%) makes this a great wine for a sunny afternoon, or as an aperitif before something more serious.

Reviewed

De Bortoli – Pink Moscato – Emeri – NV (16.7). A gentle wine that has some similarities to a rosé in that there are hints of red berries on the nose and a gently pink colour. Light and fresh, with refreshing acidity and well-judged sweetness. (This is a lot drier than most tasted in the line-up). The finish is rounded off by granny smith apple acidity and there is good length to close. A very good example of the Australian style.

Yalumba – Sangiovese – Y Series – Rosé – 2012 (16.4). Savoury fruit on the nose. The palate is dry, with gentle red fruits balanced by savoury, almost spicy highlights and fresh acid to close. Good with food or on its own.

Lindeman’s – Moscato – Early Harvest – NV (15.8). Quite a strong mousse in the mouth. Musk and rose water like aromas over fresh, grapey fruit. Quite sweet and relatively simple, this is an easy drink. (7.5% alc)

Bella Riva – Moscato – Moscato – Del Re – 2012 (15.8). Gently effervescent. Clean and fresh with grape flavours to the fore with a hint of blackcurrant. Simple and uncomplicated, with just enough acidity to balance the touch of sweetness.