Marchand & Burch Villages Rosé 2024

Description

The evolution of Marchand & Burch over the past decade is a fascinating sub-plot in the story of contemporary Australian wine. It marries the minds of Pascal Marchand – with his bio dynamic experience and passion for traditional techniques – and Jeff Burch; a pioneer of multi-regional grape growing in Western Australia. The collaboration compares two intriguing terroirs: Burgundy, where wine making evidence traces back 2000 years; with WA’s Great Southern, established only in the 1960s, but famed for its ancient geology. It is the wines themselves that bring substance and expression to this unique endeavour. In Australia, our winemakers led by Nic Bowen follow the Burgundian road map established by Pascal to produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reflecting season and place. In this way we unlock the potential of our maturing vineyard sites. In Burgundy, Pascal obtains fruit from his network of family growers in the legendary villages and vineyards of the Côte d’Or.

The 2023 Marchand & Burch Rosé is made from premium grapes from the Swan Valley, Great Southern and Margaret River. It reflects a contemporary style while taking cues from an admired tradition of dry, delectable, divine Rosé wines from the Southern French region of Provence.

Cooler-than-usual temperatures paired with optimal, dry weather set the scene for an extended, yet exceptional vintage in both Margaret River and Great Southern. A moderate season, it was perfect for gentle, even ripening across all grape varieties. Heavy winter rains recharged soil moisture levels and refilled vineyard dams paving the way for a promising start to the growing season. Cool temperatures lingered making for a mild spring with a lovely, yet late budburst. The weather warmed and rain ceased providing the ideal conditions for flowering, canopy growth and fruit set in Margaret River. Great Southern was cooler and wetter which led to poor fruit set and small bunches reducing yield. However, these lower yields would later lead to fuller fruit ripeness at harvest.

Dry, sunny, and warm weather free from any extreme heat continued throughout summer creating an idyllic atmosphere for steady, prolonged ripening with harvest commencing on the 16 February and not finishing until 22 April. Minimal rain fell during this period allowing the fruit to stay out on the vine until full ripeness and flavour development were achieved while cooling winds ensured good acid retention and freshness. Some late summer/early autumn rain events delayed the red harvest slightly, however, the rainfall did not lead to any disease pressure, instead, it refreshed canopies and invigorated the vines. Altogether another high-quality, graceful year much like 2022.

Immediate pressing ensues the lightest tinges of pink from the red grapes in this blend. Some batches are held cold on lees and stirred daily for up to 1 week prior to ferment. Beyond this early phase, the wine is largely made in the same way as white wine. The juice ferments in stainless steel and older French oak. Lees are stirred weekly from late in the fermentation until dry. During a short oak maturation, partial malolactic occurs. The wine is then blended, minimally fined and filtered.

A pale, misty peony pink, this Rosé is crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir and old vine Grenache and displays an alluring mix of forest berry perfumes, white strawberries and cranberries with pretty, lifted floral notes of citrus blossom and rose petals. Blood orange, pomegranate and tart, Pink Lady apple notes lead the way for a slick, salty mineral acidity that promotes continued sipping pleasure. Red liquorice and cherry glaze intertwine and bolster the mid-palate while stimulating an expressive mouthfeel that finishes with a lingering and mouthwatering sensation and just a hint of the finest tannin. Refreshing and bright, a wine to enjoy in its youth on a warm, summer’s afternoon, yet it will continue to delight over the next two years. 12.6% alc.

Review of 2023:

95 points, Rob Geddes MW “This All W.A. wine will make friends and influence people you share it with. Such is the class of its quality. Appealing pomegranate sorbet watermelon aromas with a nod to the classic French style. The palate has texture, creaminess, an appealing middle palate with juicy cranberry red fruit flavours and lingering watermelon and raspberry, with a clean, dry finish. A contemporary style that does well with bbq food. The best rose from Australia I have ever tasted and a harbinger of changes to come with the relationship to pale colour yet full flavoured and ability to age.”

RRP $28   Our Special Price $23.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine