2015 Oliver's Taranga Vineyards 'Chica' Mencia Rosé

Mencia is a red variety that reigns supreme in the Bierzo appellation of the Galicia region in Spain's north-west corner. Once thought to be genetically linked to Cabernet Franc, research now suggests it is identical to the Portuguese variety Jaen from the Dao region, brought to Spain it seems by religious pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Previously a variety of minor importance, Mencia has now started to gain serious attention both within Spain and abroad for its potential to make quality wine. 

Oliver's Taranga Vineyards grow the only commercial plantings of Mencia in Australia and this hand-picked and foot-trodden Mencia Rosé is their second go at it after the success of the 2014 vintage. Made by the chicas at the cellar door, winemaker Corrina Wright says that "We are still learning every year, and while the vines are still juvenile, we decided to get our whole cellar door team on board to learn more about the winemaking process - and as such the ‘Chica’ Mencia Rosé was born!" 

A very attractive crimson purple colour in the glass. Don't be deceived by its colour. It may say 'fruit bomb' but it's quite the opposite. Fresh floral, strawberry and redcurrant aromas. Some bramble and mineral hints, which give the wine a likeable wild dry earthiness.

Lively and tasty palate of cranberry, pomegranate and watermelon flavours. Light-bodied, marked by a nice balance of crisp acid and dusty, fruity tannins. Delicious to drink with a great spicy sweet sour tension going on all the way to the finish. Dry, flavoursome and easy to drink. With more vine age, it'll be interesting to see how this turns out in a few years. It's got the potential to be one of our best rosés. 

I really liked this wine. With the Rosé Revolution in some sort of holding pattern at the moment and needing a shoot in the arm with warmer weather ahead, you'd be bonkers not to give this a go for an enjoyable and intriguing take on rosé wines, Recommended chilled.   

Source: Sample. ABV: 11.5%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $24.00. Rating: 92 Points. Website: http://www.oliverstaranga.com/

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