Montes Cherub Rosé, 2008, Colchagua, Chile

Montes Cherub Rosé, 2008, Colchagua, Chile »

Andrew Barrow

1 Sep

Chilean Wine, rosé, shiraz/syrah, Waitrose

Are not rosé wines supposed to be fun, simplistic, trivial, gluggers? Their continued popularity is for just this reason – nothing too complicated, easy to drink and with a nice, summery colour. Such wines are at the lower end of the price scale; indeed my parents, bless ‘em, have taken a shine to a truly terrible, industrial-confected swill smelling, off-dry rosé from California (blended with melon and orange flavourings if memory serves) that comes in a £3.99 for a litre and a half sized bottle. They like it for the slightly sweet palate, its uncomplicated nature and summery feel. (They hadn’t actually smelt it until I mentioned how hideous its aroma was).

Why then release a rosé at nearly eight quid? From Chile too, a country that has replaced Australia for value wines – just where rosé should be positioned price-wise , no? A wine with a cartoon, non-serious label – oh, the confusing contradictions.

Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah, 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile.
Stockist: Waitrose Price: £8.99 [More on Adegga / Snooth]
Plenty of strawberry/cherry lashed fruit with the dry tannins giving a sophisticated mouthful despite the cherryade colour, glowing as if radiated. Ripe, gentle fruit to the fore, dry tannins to the finish, And, always an indicator of decent quality, a long lasting aftertaste.
Sophisticated, classy almost and not a glugger by any standard but at £8.99 you have to wonder how much they have to pay Mr Steadman for his delightful Churb interpretation?

Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 88/100 [3.5 out of 5]

3 Comments »

Dylan says:

02/09/2008 at 12:45 am

I think the label is in keeping with the light, care-free summer spirit of rosé you mentioned. That, or it’s a mind trick, convincing you you’re buying something cheaper than you actually are. Either way, I especially like the subtle touch added by the Cherub’s clothespin.

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Andrew says:

03/09/2008 at 6:54 pm

the Cherub certainly sets the feel for the wine; the label is wrapped around a unique flluted bottle (which might also add to the over all price).
I noticed in Waitrose yesterday that the wine is currently on offer; much better value at £5.75 (or maybe it was £6.75).

Reply
Claire says:

10/09/2008 at 3:14 am

This is one of our favorite roses!!! Here in the U.S., this bottle runs about $14.
I’ve never had a bad wine from Montes.

Reply

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