Awards season is upon us, and the 25th awards ceremony
As the Jamaica Observer’s Table Talk Food Awards take center stage today to celebrate and honor excellence in Jamaica’s culinary industry, Thursday Food takes a look at Argentina’s recently announced winners at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The 2024 DWWA celebrated excellence in winemaking, receiving a record 18,143 entries from around the world. Known for its rigorous judging process, the distinguished judging panel was made up of 243 leading wine professionals, including 20 Master Sommeliers and 61 Masters of Wine, from 33 countries. These renowned wine professionals blind-tasted wines from 57 countries, highlighting the diversity and quality of contemporary wine production from around the world. Regions that excelled included Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California and emerging vineyards in South America, with top awards awarded to innovative blends and traditional varietals that showcase the winemaker’s artistry and craftsmanship.
Argentina won a total of 382 bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals at this year’s awards ceremony, including the coveted Best in Show medal. The country’s blush wines won a total of 11 medals in the bronze and silver categories, with scores ranging from 86 to 91 points. Blush wines, also known as rosé wines or rosados, are characterized by their distinctive pink color. The term “blush” is often used in the United States, while “rosé” is more common in Europe, and “rosado” is used in Spain and Latin America. Regardless of the name, these wines are produced in a similar way and share the same vibrant, refreshing quality.
In the world of wine, nothing captures the essence of summer quite like blush wine, a beautiful pink vintage perfect for hot weather. Blush wines have a balance of freshness, sweetness, and a beautiful variety of flavors, making them perfect for any summer occasion. Today, let’s revisit the world of blush wines and understand what makes them so special and why they should be one of your go-to choices this summer. Blush wines are typically made from red grapes, and their distinctive pink color comes from the brief contact between the grape skins and juice during the winemaking process.
This process is called maceration and usually lasts from a few hours to a few days. The longer the contact time, the darker the wine will be. After maceration, the grape skins are removed and fermentation continues as with white wine. Another method of producing blush wine is the saignée method, in which some juice is “pulled off” from the must (a mixture of crushed grapes) early in the red wine fermentation process. This juice is then fermented separately to produce different styles of rosé wine, each with their own unique flavor profile.
A quintessential summer drink, Rosado is light, crisp and incredibly refreshing, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. These wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of summer foods, whether it’s a picnic, a barbecue or a light salad. Many blush wines also have a lower alcohol content compared to red wines, making them a good choice for a lighter daytime option or for those who prefer a less intense drink. Their bright, fruity flavor reflects the vibrant vibrancy of summer, with a balanced acidity that adds to the refreshing feeling.
One of the joys of drinking rosé wine in the summer is that it pairs well with seasonal foods. It’s great with seafood, salads, barbecue, cheese platters, and fruit desserts. To get the most out of your rosé wine, you need to be mindful of how you serve it. Rosé wine is best served chilled. Chilling it to 7-13°C (45-55°F) will give it a refreshing taste and bring out its vibrant flavors. White wine glasses are the best, as their shape preserves the wine’s aromas and reduces its temperature. Blush wines are best stored in a cool, dark place, but once opened, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but are best enjoyed within a few days.
As we continue to showcase the best summer treats for wine lovers, Thursday Food highlights five Rosado/Rose wines that stand out from the crowd and have earned high praise and medals from our panel of judges.
Chandon Argentina’s Chandon (Rose) Demi-Sec, made from 58% Chardonnay, 38% Pinot Noir and 4% Malbec, received 86 points and won the bronze medal. Produced in Mendoza, this wine has ripe, jammy strawberry fruit flavors and aromatic raspberry notes. On the palate, it is poised, rich and refreshing with a dry finish.
Rios de los Andes, a rosé wine produced by Terrazas de los Andes in Mendoza for Spar UK, won the bronze medal with 87 points. Made from 85 percent Malbec and 15 percent Syrah, this rosé wine is very floral with hints of white fruit, red cherry and herbs. On the palate it is rich, flavoursome and has a satisfying lingering finish.
Pascual Toso Estate Rosé is a bronze medal winner with 88 points from Pascual Toso Wines. It is made in Mendoza from 95% Chardonnay and 5% Malbec. Pale pink in colour, clear and light in colour, this Rosé is a very expressive wine with aromas of apricot and blueberry. On the palate, it is creamy, with a pronounced acidity and freshness, with citrus flavours and red fruit aromas.
Produced by Bodega Trivento in San Juan for ASDA Grocery UK, ASDA Extra Special Malbec Rosé is a 100% Malbec that received a bronze medal with 88 points. The wine has the pale pink colour typical of a well-made Rosé wine and a nose reminiscent of ripe melon and flowers. On the palate, fresh pear, almond and apple flavours add complexity with subtle woody notes. The finish is fresh, dry and rich with a balanced acidity that enhances the overall appeal.
Kaiken Nude, awarded 90 points and a silver medal, is produced by Kaiken Wines in Mendoza using 90% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This rosé wine is characterized by its rich flavor and exquisite fruit expression, with aromas of raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate. On the palate, it stands out for its softness, fresh acidity and medium body, giving it a creamy, spacious sensation and a long, delicious finish.
Blush wines are the perfect blend of freshness, vibrant flavors, and beautiful colors for the summer. Enjoy the pink color this summer and experience the joys of blush wine. Cheers to warmer days and a cold glass!
