Wine: Rozier Reef Rose

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: Western Cape

Producer: Mount Rozier

Grape Varietal: Blend

ABV: 12.0%

Type: Rose

Code: 8513

Tasting Note

Pale salmon pink in colour. A lovely fresh and fruity style Rose with hints of raspberries, strawberries, from Grenache, some white peach and dried apple from Chardonnay and tantalizing sweet tangerine from Muscat.

Producer

Purchased by the Gabb family (owners of Journey’s End winery) in 2009, Mount Rozier was founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a flower merchant. The Gabbs have nurtured the estate and encouraged the proliferation of many indigenous species of flora and fauna, which inspire the characteristics of Mount Rozier wines. Each wine brings a sense of the terroir and the winery continues to focus on minimal intervention, sustainable and ethical farming practices, and irreconcilable quality.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-picked early in the mornings at low sugars and ripeness to make this delicate Rose. At the cellar, the grapes are de-stemmed and pressed with limited skin contact. The juice is cold fermented to lock in freshness and ensure an intense fruit bouquet. After fermentation, the wine is kept on the lees for 4 months. This practice adds weight and texture to the palate. Just before bottling 2% Merlot is added to the final blend to give this wine its beautiful light salmon pink colour.

Fun Fact

Mount Rozier was founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a flower merchant. She picked wildflowers in the Schapenberg hills surrounding her family’s homestead and famously, she also produced natural remedies and medicines for the local community. In the 1920s, the Stellebosch-based estate formed part of Myrtle Grove, where the first ever commercial plantings of Pinotage were grown in 1941 by Professor Perold.

Food pairing

A delicious summer sipper, equally at home with light dishes or sundowner appetizers.