António and Joana Maçanita
There are so many rosés on the market these days that it can be quite daunting for those not in the know. This actually reminds me of a funny experience I had in Apolónia Lagoa a couple of years ago when I found former British prime minister David Cameron browsing the shelves for rosés with his security detail in trail and looking somewhat perplexed by the huge selection (he used to holiday in the Algarve).
When I see tourists looking so lost in these situations, I often lend a hand and make a few recommendations, but, at the time, he was not very popular in my books and I was rather pleased to see him pick up a bottle of something that I consider both overpriced and of inferior quality.
David, if you are reading this, I no longer blame you for the mess the UK is in and all is forgiven, so next time I will happily help you out.
If he comes back and is looking for a good quality rosé that is fresh and fruity enough to enjoy well chilled by the pool but with enough flavour and structure to accompany a BBQ dinner, this one from the Maçanita winery would be high up on my list. Brother and sister winemakers António and Joana Maçanita make consistently good wine, be it from their own projects or from producers who hire them as consultant winemakers.
The Maçanita name can be found on wine labels from the Douro, Alentejo, Algarve and even the Azores and this rosé comes from their own project in the Douro valley. Lovely fresh notes of cherries and strawberries on the nose, with good texture in the mouth and well-balanced acidity ending in a dry finish – good value for money at €8.95 in Apolónia.
