2025 De Iuliis Rose, Hunter Valley

De Iuliis Rosé from the Hunter Valley is a bright, dry, and refreshingly modern take on Australian rosé, offering vibrant fruit and crisp acidity with a savoury edge that makes it a perfect all-rounder. Made from carefully selected parcels of Shiraz and occasionally Merlot or Touriga, the wine reflects a focus on elegance and balance rather than sweetness or overt ripeness. This is a rosé made for food, conversation, and warm afternoons.

The fruit is picked early to retain freshness and acidity, gently pressed, and fermented cool in stainless steel. There’s no oak involved — just clean, bright winemaking that allows the fruit and texture to shine. The result is a wine that is crisp, dry and expressive.

Aromatically, it opens with wild strawberry, watermelon, white cherry and rose petal, with a touch of citrus zest. The palate is light and zippy, with red berry fruit, pink grapefruit and a touch of savoury spice on the finish. There’s a nice mineral thread and enough texture to make it more than just a poolside wine.

Food pairing: ideal with grilled prawns, Nicoise salad, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or prosciutto and melon. Also excellent with falafel wraps, sushi or soft goat cheese.

Cellar potential: best enjoyed within 2 years of vintage for peak freshness, though it will hold well over 3 years.