I am becoming more and sceptical of new Portuguese rosés appearing on the market, especially when they cost more than €10.

So many of them, in order to achieve the in-vogue pale salmon pink colour of Provence fame, end up sacrificing flavour whilst many other in the even higher price ranges spend far too long in oak for my liking. But when I see something from a top producer at a realistic price, I like to keep an open mind and last week I discovered this newly released rosé from the great Port wine producer Ramos Pinto.

This is the first rosé ever produced by Ramos Pinto and it recently arrived on the shelves at Apolonia (€14.95). This is quite simply a lovely rosé by any standards, produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Nacional grapes grown at an altitude of around 600 metres in the Ramos Pinto vineyards of the Douro Valley.

The wine is fresh and elegant with a complex nose of floral and white melon notes lifted by a citric undertone. In the mouth it is smooth and generous with red fruit flavours and crisp acidity leading to a long and slightly salty finish. This rosé may not be cheap, but it hits well above the price-tag.

By Patrick Stuart
[email protected]