2021 Marchand & Burch Villages Pinot Noir Rose, Great Southern

Wild ferment in barrel. Savoury, fine and textural with a distinct backdrop of cheesecloth, apple skins (red), summer apricot, raspberry, a touch of floss and some orchard flowers. It is pleasurably staunch, bony and very good.

92 points winecompanion.com.au

The Marchand & Burch Villages Pinot Noir Rosé from Western Australia’s Great Southern region is a refined and vibrant expression of rosé, crafted through the collaboration of Burgundian winemaker Pascal Marchand and Australian vigneron Jeff Burch of Howard Park. Their partnership has become renowned for producing wines that blend French finesse with Australian terroir, and this rosé is no exception. Made from cool-climate Pinot Noir, it captures the delicacy and aromatic lift that the variety delivers in the Great Southern’s pristine, maritime-influenced environment.

In the glass it shows a pale salmon hue. The bouquet is lifted and fragrant, with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant layered with citrus zest, rose petals and a touch of savoury spice. On the palate it is light to medium-bodied, with juicy red fruit flavours balanced by crisp acidity and a fine mineral thread. A subtle creaminess from lees contact adds texture, while the finish is long, fresh and refreshing, striking a beautiful balance between fruit vibrancy and savoury complexity.

Food pairings highlight its elegance and versatility: grilled salmon, prawns with garlic and lemon, Niçoise salad, charcuterie boards, or soft cheeses such as chèvre. It’s also a perfect aperitif wine, offering both brightness and sophistication. Best enjoyed young, though it will hold for 2 to 3 years, developing slightly rounder and more savoury notes with time.