There have always been two distinctive styles of rosé wine that I love. One is the pale salmon-coloured Provence style that seems to be taking over these days as more and more producers catch on to the trend. The other is the dark, heavier style of rosé like this one from Valle Pradinhos in the upper reaches of the Douro Valley.
Five or six years ago, there were quite a few rosés of this style on the market but, as far as I know, this one and the more expensive Redoma Rosé from Niepoort are the only two not yet to have followed the pack and convert to pale pink.
Priced at just €5.49 in Apolónia, the 2012, which is still in limited stock, is great value for money. It will be replaced next month by the 2014, the previous vintage having already sold out, and a quick call to the distributor reassured me that the producer has no plans to change the style of the wine.
Produced from Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz grapes, it presents a deep cherry red colour, the 2012 already showing subtle sign of ageing but nonetheless fresh and vibrant with jammy red fruit notes on the nose.
In the mouth, the wine is smooth and creamy with a surprisingly long finish for a wine in this price range.
For food pairing, I would suggest this as the perfect accompaniment for spicy grilled chicken piri-piri or a good Indian curry.
By PATRICK STUART [email protected]
