2024 Port Phillip Salasso Rose, Mornington Peninsula

Port Phillip Estate Salasso Rosé from the Mornington Peninsula is a refined, textural dry rosé that showcases the estate’s Pinot Noir fruit in a more savoury, mineral-driven style. Inspired by the great rosés of Provence, but rooted firmly in cool-climate coastal Victoria, Salasso is elegant, quietly complex and made with the same level of care as their single-vineyard wines.

The fruit is hand-harvested from Port Phillip Estate’s vineyards and made using the saignée method, where juice is gently drained from freshly crushed Pinot Noir grapes after brief skin contact. The wine is then fermented and aged in old oak and stainless steel to build texture and maintain freshness. This approach delivers more weight and detail than a typical tank-fermented rosé while still retaining crispness and aromatic lift.

In the glass, it’s a delicate pale salmon colour with aromas of wild strawberry, pink grapefruit, orange peel and soft florals. The palate is dry, finely textured and savoury, with notes of red apple, cranberry and a touch of fennel and flint. There's a lovely acid line and a clean, salty finish that speaks to the maritime influence of the Mornington Peninsula.

Food pairing: Perfect with grilled prawns and lemon, tuna carpaccio, Niçoise salad, roast chicken with herbs, or goat cheese and beetroot tart. Also ideal with sushi or fresh spring vegetables.

Cellar potential: Best enjoyed young within 2–3 years of vintage for freshness, though its texture and savoury depth allow it to evolve well over 2–4 years.