2023 Rose of Virginia Barossa Valley, Charles Melton

• Style: Pale cerise, fragrant, crisp yet rich
• Taste: Turkish Delight florals, white pepper, savoury spice and fine tannin
• Food: Grilled chicken, charcuterie, lamb chops, Mediterranean vegetables
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, aperitivo
• Serve: Chilled, now or keep 2+ years

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Pale cerise and fragrant, this rosé opens with immediate Turkish Delight perfume underpinned by white pepper and a whisper of spice. The acidity and fine tannin structure that Grenache naturally delivers when picked with care create a balance of richness without cloying weight — sweetness tempered by freshness, making it equally at home between bites or as an aperitif.

The Winery — Charles Melton

For four decades, Charlie Melton has championed Barossa Valley's old-vine Grenache and Shiraz when others were replanting with trendier varieties. His daughter Sophie now assists in the winery, continuing that philosophy of respect for historic vineyards. The 2023 vintage benefited from an unusually wet spring and languid summer, with fruit arriving three weeks later than modern norm—concentrating flavour and lowering yields. This blend draws 56% from those venerable Grenache plantings, with 29% Shiraz and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon adding backbone and savoury depth. Cold maceration on skins for two days extracted colour and delicate florals; low-temperature stainless-steel fermentation locked in aromatics. It drinks beautifully now and will hold its character for two years or more. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is the kind of rosé that demands a chilled glass on the table. Grilled chicken, lamb chops, charcuterie boards and Mediterranean vegetables all find a home here—anywhere you'd reach for a food-friendly red but want something lighter for the season. It sits alongside the rest of our Australia selection, a benchmark for what happens when a winemaker genuinely listens to the site and respects old vines rather than chasing fashion. Worth exploring alongside other Grenache & Garnacha wines in our range.