Novella Rosé 2022

This Novella Rosé is bone dry, meaning it contains virtually no residual sugar, placing it at the opposite end of the spectrum from sweet or off-dry rosés. The dry style allows the natural fruit flavours of strawberry and raspberry to shine without being masked by sweetness, while the zippy acidity provides a clean, refreshing finish. This style is particularly popular among serious wine drinkers who prefer their rosé to be food-friendly and sophisticated rather than cloying.

Whitlands is an emerging cool-climate region that's gaining recognition for producing elegant, refined wines with excellent natural acidity. The cooler temperatures help preserve the delicate fruit flavours and floral notes that make this rosé so appealing, while preventing the wine from becoming overly ripe or heavy. This regional influence is crucial in achieving the wine's light-bodied character and the scintillating acidity that makes it so refreshing for summer drinking.

Serve this rosé well-chilled at around 8-10°C to enhance its crisp, refreshing character and highlight the vibrant fruit flavours. The light-bodied nature and dry style make it perfect as an aperitif or paired with light summer fare like seafood, salads, or charcuterie. Its bone-dry profile and zippy acidity also make it an excellent companion to spicy Asian cuisine, where the acidity can cut through rich flavours while the delicate fruit notes provide balance.

The dry, crisp profile and strawberry-cream flavours make this rosé incredibly versatile with food, particularly Mediterranean and summer cuisine. It pairs beautifully with fresh seafood like prawns or salmon, goat cheese salads, and herb-crusted chicken, where the wine's acidity complements without overwhelming delicate flavours. The light body and fresh fruit character also make it an excellent match for spicy dishes, as the acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites.

As a 2022 vintage with fresh, vibrant fruit characteristics, this rosé is designed to be enjoyed while young and at its peak freshness, typically within 2-3 years of vintage. The style emphasises immediate appeal with its juicy red fruits and zippy acidity, which are best appreciated when the wine retains its youthful vibrancy. While it won't improve significantly with age, proper storage in cool conditions will help maintain its delicate flavours and crisp character for optimal enjoyment.