The Vicentino winery on the west coast, just north of the Algarve near Zambujeira do Mar, seems to have idyllic conditions for Pinot Noir. They produce two reds from the variety – the young and fresh “Naked” and the more sophisticated oaked Pinot from their “Luar” (moonlight) range.
From the 2019 vintage, they extended their range of Pinots to include two rosés following the same principal, a fresh and easy-drinking pink under the “Naked” label and a posh oaked rosé. The former costs around €10 whilst the posh pink is over double the price – I found it at Apolónia priced at €26.
Starting with the “Naked”, this is a rosé that compares well with most others in this price range. On the nose, there are fresh red fruit notes along with some citric hints, well-balanced acidity in the mouth with refreshing fruity flavours and a medium dry finish.
A slightly paler pink, the posh version is an altogether more serious wine with a very subtle nose (do not serve too chilled) of honey-melon and fresh cherries.
There are no smoky notes from the barrel where it fermented and aged, the oak only conferring a creamy texture in the mouth and a touch of silky-smooth tannic structure, leading to a very long and dry finish.
I am not sure if it is worth over double the price of a decent mainstream rosé, but it compares well with many posh pinks I have tried from Provence.
