2025 Wirra Wirra Dry Grenache Rose, McLaren Vale

From four sites. Cool ferment. The colour is a pristine rose gold, the aromatics à point, with this harmonious from the get-go. Strawberry, cranberry, blood orange, cinnamon, rose, a little musk and sumac. The palate is textural, meaning it can take the deep chill that rosé is often subjected to, but it also makes it a fine companion at table when it warms a bit. There’s a juicy succulence to this, acidity and fruit in perfect accord. Very good indeed.

95 points Special Value Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion

Wirra Wirra has been part of the McLaren Vale landscape since the late 1800s, though the winery’s modern reputation was shaped by the late Greg Trott, whose humour, energy and obsession with quality helped turn it into one of Australia’s most loved wine brands. Their Dry Grenache Rosé perfectly suits the region’s Mediterranean climate, drawing on old vine Grenache grown under warm sunshine tempered by cooling coastal breezes. It is a style built around freshness, texture and pure drinkability rather than sweetness or simple fruitiness.

The 2025 vintage is pale, vibrant and packed with juicy energy. Wild strawberry, watermelon and blood orange aromas jump from the glass alongside delicate rose petal and crushed herb notes. Grenache gives the wine a lovely softness and perfume, while crisp acidity keeps everything bright and mouthwatering. There is a subtle savoury edge beneath the fruit that adds extra character, carrying through a clean, refreshing finish that feels made for warm afternoons and relaxed company.

This is exactly the sort of rosé that disappears quickly once opened. Fresh prawns, grilled octopus or crispy zucchini fritters with yoghurt and herbs would all be superb alongside it. It also shines with wood fired pizza, charcuterie or spicy Vietnamese dishes where the freshness cuts beautifully through the flavours. Served icy cold outdoors with friends, it captures everything people love about modern Australian rosé, bright fruit, refreshing texture and effortless drinkability.