Awards season is upon us and as the 25th staging o
f the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards takes centre stage today to celebrate and honour excellence in Jamaica’s culinary industry, Thursday Food highlights the Argentine medal winners recently announced at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The 2024 DWWA celebrated excellence in winemaking with a record number of 18,143 entries from around the globe. Renowned for its rigorous judging process, the distinguished panel comprised 243 leading wine experts, including 20 Master Sommeliers and 61 Masters of Wine from 33 countries. These esteemed wine experts blind-tasted wines from 57 countries, highlighting the diversity and quality of contemporary wine production across the world. Outstanding regions included Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California, and the emerging vineyards of South America with top medals going to innovative blends and classic varietals that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of their vintners.

Argentina amassed 382 medals including the coveted Best In Show medals among its collection of bronze, silver, gold and platinum medallists at this year’s awards event. The country’s blush wines earned a total of 11 medals in the bronze and silver categories with scores ranging from 86 points to 91 points. Blush wines, often referred to as rosé wines or rosado, are characterised by their distinctive pink colour. The term “blush” is commonly used in the United States, while “rosé” is more popular in Europe and “rosado” is the term in Spain as well as Latin America. Regardless of the name, these wines are produced in a similar way and share the same vibrant and refreshing qualities.

In the world of wine, nothing captures the essence of summer quite like blush wines, the delightfully pink-hued vintages that are perfect for hot weather. They offer a balance of crispness, sweetness, and a beautiful array of flavours that make them ideal for any summer occasion. Today revisit the world of blush wines, understand what makes them so special, and why they should be among your go-to choices this summer. Blush wines are typically made from red grapes with their unique pink colour coming from a short period of contact between the grape skins and the juice during the winemaking process.

This process, known as maceration, usually lasts from a few hours to a few days and the longer the contact, the deeper the colour of the wine. After maceration, the grape skins are removed, and the fermentation process continues just like with white wines. Another method of producing blush wines is the saignée method which is where some juice is “bled off” from the must (crushed grape mixture) early in the red wine fermentation process. This juice is then fermented separately to create rosés which can come in a variety of styles, each with its unique flavour profile.

As a quintessential summer beverage, rosados are light and crisp which makes them incredibly refreshing and perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. These wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of summer foods, whether you’re enjoying a picnic, a barbecue, or a light salad. Many blush wines also have a lower alcohol content compared to red wines, making them a lighter option for daytime drinking or for those who prefer a less potent beverage. Their bright and fruity flavours mirror the vibrant and lively spirit of summer while their balanced acidity enhances their refreshing quality.

One of the joys of drinking rosés in the summer is how well they pair with the season’s foods; perfect pairings come with seafood, salads, barbecues, cheese platters and fruit desserts. Getting the most out of your rosé means paying attention to how it is served, so be sure it is chilled, ideally between 45-55°F (7-13°C), as this enhances its refreshing qualities and brings out its bright flavours. A white wine glass is best to use as the shape helps to preserve the wine’s aromas and maintain its cool temperature. It is also best to store your blush wines in a cool, dark place but once opened, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, though they’re best enjoyed within a few days.

As we continue to feature the best summer sips for vinophiles, Thursday Food spotlights five rosados/rosés that distinguished themselves from the rest, receiving nods of approval, and medals, from the judging panel.

Chandon (Rosé) Demi Sec by Chandon Argentina, made with 58 per cent Chardonnay, 38 per cent Pinot Noir and 4 per cent Malbec, scored 86 points, earning for itself a bronze medal. This wine, produced in Mendoza, expresses ripe and jammy strawberry fruit along with raspberry aromatic notes. On the palate, it is poised, rich and refreshing with a dry finish.

Rios De Los Andes, a rosé made for Spar UK by Terrazas de los Andes in Mendoza, won a bronze medal after scoring 87 points. Comprising 85 per cent Malbec and 15 per cent Syrah, this rosado is very floral, exhibiting aromas of white fruits, red cherries and herbal undertones. In the mouth it is rich and flavourful, ending in a satisfying finish.

Pascual Toso, Estate Rosé is a bronze medal-winning wine with 88 points by Pascual Toso Wines that is made in Mendoza from 95 per cent Chardonnay and 5 per cent Malbec. Pale pink with a limpid, bright colour, this rosé is a very expressive wine having aromas of apricots and blueberries. On the palate it is creamy, has marked acidity and freshness, with notes of citrus flavours and red fruits.

ASDA Extra Special Malbec Rosé, produced for ASDA Groceries UK by Bodega Trivento in San Juan, is a 100 per cent Malbec that scored 88 points and earned a bronze medal. The wine has a pale pink hue, typical of a well-crafted rosé, and expresses aromas reminiscent of ripe melon and floral notes. In the mouth, flavours of fresh pear, almond, and apple, are accompanied by a subtle woodiness that adds complexity. It offers a fresh, dry, and intense finish, maintaining a balanced acidity that enhances its overall appeal.

Kaiken Nude, a silver medal winner that scored 90 points, is produced in Mendoza by Kaiken Wines using 90 per cent Grenache and 10 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon. This rosado has an exquisite fruit expression with lots of flavour, exhibiting aromas of raspberries, strawberries and pomegranate. On the palate it stands out for its softness, fresh acidity and a medium body that gives it a broad and creamy sensation, accompanied by a long and delicious finish.

Blush wines are the perfect companion for the summer months, offering a delightful mix of refreshing qualities, vibrant flavours, and beautiful hues. So, this summer, embrace the pink and discover the joy of blush wines. Cheers to warm days and cool sips!