Ulithorne Epoch Rosé 2022 – Cyber Monday Deal

This rosé is crafted from 100% mourvèdre, a bold red grape variety that's rarely used solo for rosé production. The lees stirring in French oak barrels during fermentation adds unusual complexity and texture that most rosés lack. This technique, borrowed from premium white wine production, creates a more substantial mouthfeel while maintaining the wine's crisp, dry character.

Blewitt Springs is considered the crown jewel of McLaren Vale's sub-regions, sitting at higher elevation with ancient soils that stress vines in beneficial ways. The cooler temperatures and unique geology produce fruit with exceptional concentration and natural acidity. Wines from this area command premium prices because the terroir consistently delivers grapes with remarkable flavour intensity and longevity.

Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to highlight its crisp minerality and fresh fruit character. The wine's herbaceous notes and strawberry flavours make it excellent with Mediterranean cuisine, grilled seafood, or charcuterie boards. Its light body and dry finish also complement spicy Asian dishes where the wine's acidity can cut through rich sauces without being overwhelmed.

Lees stirring involves regularly mixing the dead yeast cells that settle after fermentation, which adds creamy texture and savoury complexity to the wine. This technique, called bâtonnage in French winemaking, releases proteins and compounds that enhance mouthfeel and create subtle nutty, biscuity undertones. It's an advanced technique that transforms simple rosé into something more sophisticated and food-friendly.

While most rosés are designed for immediate consumption, this wine's oak treatment and mourvèdre base give it more aging potential than typical pink wines. The 2022 vintage should drink beautifully for 2-3 years, with the fruit flavours gradually evolving into more complex savoury notes. Store it in cool, dark conditions and consume by 2025 for optimal freshness and vibrancy.