Today’s wine comes from Uruguay. It was produced by Bodega Marichal, a family winery that has been in operation for over 70 years. Their vineyards are located in Etchevarria, Canelones, Uruguay. They are located at 34° south latitude, and they grow Tannat, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes in soils that are argillaceous, calcareous and semi-permeable.
This wine is a rosé made from Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%). The grapes were harvested in early February. A portion of the wine (65%) was aged in oak barrels for 4 months. The label indicates 13.0% Alcohol by volume (ABV).
I normally use a bottle-top aerator for red wines and some white wines. I didn’t know if the aerator would help this wine or not. After a quick taste test, it was clear that the aerator definitely opens up this wine.
The wine is a light pink, about the color of a pale grapefruit or salmon.
I pick up some floral notes on the nose, along with a bit of citrus and some strawberry. A very pleasing aroma.
On the palate, I detect some black currants and red cherries, along with mineral notes. There is a touch of oak on the finish, but it is very subtle. Good acidity, but it is perhaps a little too much, giving a bit of tartness. This is a dry wine. The fruit notes along with the crispness from the mineral and acidity makes it very refreshing. Because of the high acidity, this wine probably is best paired with food. The producer recommends pairing this wine with seafood.
This wine is well balanced. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have been combined well. Neither grape stands out, but both contribute to the overall flavor.
I give this wine a score of 88 rating of “Very Good” . Very good, but not outstanding. At $14.95 (what I paid for this bottle), it is worth buying.
