The Grape-to-Glass Mastery of De Bortoli's Rose Rose

27 March 2024

Marc Scalzo: Top 100 Master Winemakers 

In the world of winemaking, every bottle tells a story. And behind the success stands Marc Scalzo, the mastermind who created De Bortoli's award-winning 2022 Rosé Rosé. Recently awarded as one of the Top 100 Master Winemakers of the Year 2024 by The Drinks Business, Marc's journey in winemaking is a testament to passion, dedication, and innovation.

Q. Describe your winemaking approach in three words.

A: Respectful, balanced, lively. These words encapsulate my philosophy of letting the grapes shine while crafting a wine that is harmonious and full of life.

 

Q: What is Rosé Rosé for De Bortoli?

A: De Bortoli's Rosé Rosé represents elegance and sophistication. It is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing intense fruit aroma, a delicate pale colour achieved through a short period of skin contact prior to pressing, and a savoury finish that captures the essence of a dry Rosé in a way that resonates with wine enthusiasts worldwide.

 

Q: Is Rosé Rosé a sweet or dry wine?

A: It is indeed a dry rosé wine. Australian Rosé wine has undergone a remarkable evolution, moving away from overly sweet styles to diverse, character-filled offerings. Leanne De Bortoli has been at the forefront of Australia's pale and dry Rose movement, which led to the release of De Bortoli's Rosé Rosé in 2018, showcasing the best of Australian winemaking – refreshing, character-filled, and perfect for any occasion.

 

Q. Can you tell us a little about how Rosé wines are made?

A: The grapes for Rosé Rosé undergo a short period of skin contact prior to pressing, resulting in a delicate pale Rosé colour. The juice is then cold settled before fermentation in stainless steel tanks, where it is left on lees for added mouth-feel. A steady cool fermentation helps retain the wine's aromatics, creating a soft, approachable style with a balanced acidity.

 

Q. What goes well with Rosé wine?

A: Rosé wines are perfect for any occasion and pairs exceptionally well with a lovely goat's cheese tart and salad. Personally, I enjoy pairing Rosé Rosé with chicken terrine or barbeque prawns.

Q: How does it feel to make one of the best Rosé wines in 2023?

A: Rosé Rosé's success in the Global Rosé Masters is a testament to its outstanding quality. Being named the only Australian Rosé in the top 10 globally is a proud moment for us and highlights Australia's growing reputation for producing exceptional Rosé wines.

 

Q: What can we expect from the upcoming vintage of Rosé wines?

A: Every vintage has its challenges but the upcoming vintage is looking promising. We have picked and pressed the grapes for Rosé Rosé and it is now in the fermentation process to eventually make its way into the bottle. We're excited to continue pushing the boundaries and delivering wines that captivate the senses and delights wine lovers everywhere


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