Bacco Estate Prelude Rosé 2020

The Bacco Estate Prelude Rosé is the only Malbec Rosé that I am aware of in South Africa. And what a Rosé it is! Malbec Rosé is obviously quite common in Argentina, but I have not seen any other on local ground yet. This is the first vintage of the newly established Bacco Estate in the Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.

In my glass, it presented a salmon pink colour with rose gold tints. On the nose, you pick up the zestiness of lemon, green apples and hints of mandarin. Upon entry, it is smooth, developing into a fresh fruit bouquet of lemon, ripe green apples, peaches and hints of red fruits and strawberries. Think in the direction of a good Chardonnay. It is fresh, but with a soft mouthfeel, which is the result of fermentation in French oak barrels and malolactic conversion. But then the red fruits from the grape variety and skin extraction come into play, and adds some complexity to this wine.

For the very first Rosé of this estate, it is not only a brave step – because Rosé's are not an overall market-pleaser – but certainly a step in the right direction. I am sure that the ageing vines and improved winemaking techniques will soon allow this wine to become an extremely rich and complex Rosé. It is ready to drink now, or cellar for two or three years. It can be best enjoyed with some tapas, charcuterie or a creamy chicken korma.

Producer: Bacco Estate

Variety: Malbec

Vintage: 2020

Origin: Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Martin Smith

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 12.5%

RS: 2.7g/l

Average price: R180

Rating: 93/100