2023 Krinklewood Biodynamic Francesca Rose, Hunter Valley

Krinklewood is one of the Hunter Valley’s most distinctive family estates, set among the rolling hills of Broke Fordwich beneath the Brokenback Range. The Windrim family has long embraced biodynamic farming, treating the vineyard as a living ecosystem rather than simply a source of fruit. Francesca Rosé captures the more playful side of the estate — bright, dry and wonderfully refreshing, but with enough texture and savoury detail to make it far more interesting than a simple summer quaffer.

The 2023 vintage produced beautifully expressive fruit, while thoughtful biodynamic viticulture and careful picking helped preserve freshness in the Hunter’s warm climate. Gentle handling in the winery keeps the wine fragrant and energetic, with the emphasis firmly on juicy fruit, crisp acidity and easy-going drinking pleasure.

Pale salmon pink in the glass, the nose opens with wild strawberry, watermelon and white peach alongside rose petal and a little blood orange. The palate is crisp and juicy, with red berries and stone fruit carried by lively acidity. Hints of pink grapefruit, dried herbs and a gentle savoury texture appear through the middle before a dry, mouthwatering finish of strawberry, citrus peel and sea salt.

This is begging for a sunny table: grilled prawns with chilli and lime, watermelon and feta salad, salmon sashimi, crispy zucchini flowers or a big plate of antipasti with prosciutto, olives and burrata. My pick is the zucchini flowers — hot, salty and crunchy against icy-cold rosé is dangerously civilised behaviour.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2028.