Tasting Notes:

The Volo Geographe Dry Rosé 2022 is a stunning expression of the Geographe region, crafted entirely from hand-harvested Shiraz grapes. In the glass, it displays a deep ruby colour, immediately drawing the eye with its rich hue. The aromatic profile is both vibrant and inviting, with tropical notes of passionfruit and guava complemented by a fresh apple scent that adds a crisp, clean element to the bouquet.

On the palate, this rosé delivers a seamless balance of bright, summer fruit flavours—think ripe strawberries and fresh melon—enhanced by a backbone of lively acidity. The texture is smooth and round, with soft tannins providing structure and depth. The wine’s refreshing acidity and delicate fruit make it incredibly drinkable now, but it has the potential to develop greater complexity with a few years in the bottle, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a wine that evolves over time.

The finish is clean and crisp, leaving a lingering sensation of fruit and freshness, making this rosé an ideal choice for alfresco dining, casual gatherings, or as an aperitif.

Additional Info:

• Grape Varietal: 100% Shiraz
• Origin: Geographe, Western Australia
• Style: Dry, fruity, textured
• Ideal For: Pairing with seafood, salads, light cheeses, or enjoyed on its own
• Cellaring Potential: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be cellared for up to 5 years
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 13.0%
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Reviews: Perth Royal Show Wine Awards- Bronze Medal

Technical Terms Explained:

• Acidity: The refreshing sharpness that makes the wine feel crisp and balanced, similar to the tartness of citrus fruits. It helps the wine pair well with food.
• Tannins: Naturally occurring compounds in wine that contribute to texture and structure. In this rosé, the tannins are soft, offering just enough grip to balance the fruitiness.
• Cellaring Potential: The ability of a wine to improve in flavour and complexity as it ages in the bottle. This rosé can be cellared for a few years to develop deeper flavours.
• Shiraz: A popular grape variety in Australia, known for producing wines with deep colour, bold fruit flavours, and rich textures. It’s the same grape as Syrah, but often produces a more fruit-forward style in warmer climates like Geographe.
• Versatility: This rosé’s balance of fruit, acidity, and structure makes it suitable for a variety of occasions and pairings, making it a versatile choice for any wine lover.

How is a Rosé produced?

Rosé wine is crafted through a meticulous process that captures the essence of the grape while achieving a refreshing style. The Volo Geographe Dry Rosé 2022, made from Shiraz grapes, is a prime example of how thoughtful winemaking can yield a vibrant and elegant wine. Most of the time a Rose is made from a red wine grape, but occasionally athe juice from a white wine might be blended in a small amount.

The journey begins in the vineyard, where the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. For the 2022 vintage, the growing season was marked by a cool, wet spring, which initially slowed vine development. However, the subsequent hot and dry summer conditions encouraged rapid ripening. This combination led to lower yields but ultimately produced grapes with concentrated flavours and a delicate balance.

Once harvested, the grapes undergo a process called “saignée,” where a portion of the juice is drawn off from the crushed grapes after brief skin contact. This method allows for a controlled extraction of colour and flavour. Typically, the skins are left in contact with the juice for just a few hours, which imparts a beautiful hue without the intensity found in red wines.

After this initial maceration, the juice is separated and moved to fermentation tanks. Fermentation for rosé often occurs at cooler temperatures to preserve the wine’s fresh fruit characteristics. During this time, aromatic compounds develop, resulting in a fragrant bouquet that may include notes of tropical fruits, berries, and floral hints.

Following fermentation, the wine is clarified and may undergo minimal oak aging, depending on the desired style. This step can add complexity and a subtle creaminess to the texture. The Volo rosé, for instance, strikes a harmonious balance between lively acidity and soft tannins, making it versatile for food pairings or casual sipping.

While Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice for crafting rosé, other red wine grape varieties can also create unique and flavourful expressions. For example, Grenache is known for its bright red fruit characteristics, often contributing flavours of strawberries and raspberries, along with a touch of spice. Pinot Noir, with its elegant profile, brings delicate notes of cherry, rose petal, and earthy undertones, adding complexity and finesse to the blend. Tempranillo can introduce rich plum and berry flavours, with hints of leather and tobacco, while Mourvèdre often adds depth with its dark fruit notes and gamey nuances.

Interestingly, the addition of a small amount of white wine can also enhance a rosé’s profile. Varietals like Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc can infuse floral aromas and citrus zest, adding freshness and brightness to the final product. This blend can create a more aromatic wine, enhancing the overall complexity while maintaining the crispness that rosé is known for. The interplay between red and white grapes allows winemakers to experiment with diverse flavour combinations, ultimately leading to a more expressive and layered rosé.

Overall, the process of making rosé wine is an art form that blends technique with the unique attributes of the grape and the terroir, resulting in a wine that is both enjoyable and expressive.