Pinot Meunier Rosé Derringstone 2022 – Simpsons

The Pinot Meunier Rosé Derringstone 2022, crafted by the esteemed Simpsons Wine Estate, is a luminous embodiment of the innovative spirit and dedication to quality that has come to define the burgeoning English wine scene. Nestled in the rolling hills of Kent, known affectionately as the “Garden of England,” Simpsons Wine Estate stands at the vanguard of English viticulture, pioneering in its approach and unwavering in its commitment to expressing the unique characteristics of its terroir through exceptional wines. The Derringstone Rosé, named after a historic locale within close proximity to the vineyard, is a celebration of the Pinot Meunier grape, a varietal that thrives under the estate’s meticulous care and the region’s distinctive climatic conditions.

The 2022 vintage of Derringstone Pinot Meunier Rosé emerged from a year that underscored the resilience and adaptability of the Kentish terroir. The estate’s vineyards, strategically positioned to benefit from the region’s unique microclimate, experienced a growing season marked by a harmonious balance of sunlight and rainfall, providing the ideal conditions for the Pinot Meunier grapes to develop their full aromatic and flavor potential. The soils of the estate, rich in chalk and limestone, impart a pronounced minerality to the grapes, contributing to the complexity and depth of the wine.

In crafting this exquisite rosé, Simpsons Wine Estate employed a winemaking process that harmonizes traditional methods with modern innovations, ensuring the varietal characteristics of the Pinot Meunier are showcased in their purest form. The grapes were hand-harvested at the peak of ripeness, a testament to the estate’s dedication to quality from the ground up. Following a gentle pressing, the juice underwent fermentation at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, a technique that preserves the freshness and vitality of the wine’s fruit-driven profile.

Upon tasting, the Derringstone Pinot Meunier Rosé 2022 unveils a captivating palette of sensory delights. The wine presents a delicate pink hue, inviting the taster into a bouquet of aromas that speak of the English countryside in bloom. Notes of ripe red berries, including strawberries and raspberries, mingle with hints of floral undertones and a subtle citrus zest, creating an aromatic complexity that is both enticing and refined. The palate echoes this complexity, with the wine’s crisp acidity and minerality providing a backbone that carries the delicate fruit flavors to a clean, lingering finish. This balance of fruit and structure is a hallmark of the estate’s winemaking philosophy, encapsulating the essence of the Kentish terroir in every sip.

The Derringstone Pinot Meunier Rosé is not merely a wine; it is an invitation to explore the depth and diversity of English rosé, offering a glimpse into the passion, innovation, and craftsmanship that define Simpsons Wine Estate. It pairs beautifully with a range of culinary creations, from light summer salads to grilled seafood and poultry, showcasing its versatility and broad appeal. This rosé stands as a testament to the potential of English wine, inviting connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike to discover the unique character and elegance of wines crafted in the heart of Kent.

In essence, the Pinot Meunier Rosé Derringstone 2022 from Simpsons Wine Estate captures the spirit of English winemaking at its finest. It embodies the estate’s commitment to producing wines of distinction and character, offering a taste experience that is both uniquely English and universally appealing. This wine is a celebration of the land, the grape, and the art of winemaking, standing as a testament to the potential and beauty of English rosé.