For the last couple of months, since the start of lockdown and in the interest of supporting local Algarve wineries, I have dedicated this column exclusively to Algarve wines. And it was this experience that led me to write a feature article for the upcoming July/August edition of Essential Algarve magazine, focusing on the best rosés produced in the Algarve.
I’ve tried so many rosés over the last few weeks that I think I might be turning pink myself (or could be an alcoholic flush), but the outcome of the exercise is that I now have no doubt that our sunny southern coast is capable of producing rosé wines just as well as anywhere. One of the stand-out wines amongst those tasted was the “Premium” rosé from the Paxá winery (between Lagoa and Silves). This is an Algarve take on an oaked pink in the Provence style and is by no means a rosé for quaffing by the pool.
The careful use of French oak here has added some interesting notes to the nose with hints of vanilla mixing with floral and cherry aromas. The wine is dry in the mouth with a creamy texture, layers of red fruit flavours and a long finish.
Price: €9.50 direct from the winery; also available at Intermarché supermarkets.
