Torbreck Woodcutter's Rosé 2022

Torbreck is a winery on a mission to become one of the world's great wine brands. Since 1994, they have remained committed to creating exceptional Rhone-style red and white wines that reflect the very best vineyards in Australia's famous Barossa region. Provenance is everything to them, and they believe that the Barossa is the most exciting place to make wine in the world. With a European sense of tradition, Torbreck pays tribute to the vineyards with minimal intervention, creating wines of richness, structure and length that age gracefully. The multi-generational growers, whose descendants arrived here nearly two centuries ago, are the backbone of Torbreck's winemaking aspirations. They work in partnership with the people of the Barossa who grow their fruit, always aiming to get the very best out of their vineyard sites. At Torbreck, they constantly seek to understand the difference between all of these special places in the Barossa and how this combination of soil, climate and farming experience is reflected in unique grape flavors. They are simply custodians, enhancing the innate expressiveness of the wines and enabling them to reveal over time their individual origins and personality. Torbreck is actually named after the forest near Inverness, Scotland where the winery's founder, David Powell worked as a lumberjack after completing university studies.

The winemaking style at Torbreck is meticulous and dedicated to producing exceptional wines. They use carefully selected 225-litre oak barriques for maturation, known as Dominique Laurent 'Magic Casks'. The oak is personally harvested from Forêt de Tronçais in Allier, and the staves are aged for 48 to 54 months at an exposed location for maximum seasoning. The staves are then hand-made into barrels and heated over three differing flames for several hours, resulting in a gentle toast due to the remarkable density of the wood. Torbreck's winemaking style reflects their commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa region.

Inspired by the captivating and bone dry rosés of Provence, Torbreck Woodcutter's Rosé pays homage to the traditional French winemaking techniques that have shaped some of the most alluring and aromatic rosés in the world. Crafted with care and precision, this wine captures the essence of elegance and finesse. Woodcutter's Rosé follows the traditional French method, borrowing from the expertise of Provence winemakers. The process begins by gently de-stemming the fruit from old vine Mataro, a variety known for its vibrant and expressive qualities. The juice is then left in limited contact with the grape skins, allowing for just the right amount of extraction. To add an extra layer of complexity, a small portion of the wine is aged in well-seasoned French oak Hogsheads. This delicate touch of oak imparts subtle nuances and enhances the structure of the wine, while maintaining its refreshing and vibrant character. The result is a rosé that captivates the senses from the first pour. Woodcutter's Rosé entices with a beautifully pale hue and a mesmerizing bouquet that fills the air with fragrant notes. Delicate aromas of wildflowers, summer berries and hints of citrus dance playfully, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge.

Torbreck Woodcutter's Rosé 2022 is a delightful expression of the Barossa Valley, exuding lifted aromatics and a vibrant palate that is both refreshing and versatile. On the nose, this rosé reveals an enticing bouquet of lilac petals, infusing the air with their delicate floral notes. The aromas of fresh peach, juniper berries, and ripe apricot fruits further enhance the aromatic profile, creating an alluring and inviting experience. Balanced with finesse, a solid core of savoury charcuterie and dried Provencale herbs adds depth and complexity to the wine's aroma. The palate of Woodcutter's Rosé 2022 is invigorating, offering a refreshing and zingy sensation. With its medium-bodied mouthfeel, the wine strikes a perfect balance, delivering a crisp and dry experience. The cleansing acidity adds liveliness and a vibrant energy to each sip, making it a perfect companion for warm weather enjoyment. This rosé is best enjoyed in its youth, allowing its vibrant flavors to shine. Its versatility shines through as it pairs effortlessly with a multitude of cuisines, ranging from Mediterranean dishes to spicy Asian cuisine. Whether accompanying fresh seafood, light salads, or flavorful curries, Woodcutter's Rosé 2022 elevates the dining experience and complements a variety of flavors. This wine captures the essence of the Barossa Valley while offering a perfect balance of fruit, floral and savoury elements that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.

The 2022 Woodcutter’s Rose is (and always has been) 100% Mataro. The Saignee used to be a bigger, richer, riper iteration of this same wine. Now the fruit is picked earlier, across three picks at different ripeness levels. The fruit is then whole-bunch chilled overnight, bag pressed and split into two batches (50/50). The first is a clear ferment (in stainless), and the second is 100% full solid barrel ferment—wild ferment. These two batches are kept separate until blending. In the glass, the wine is a flamingo feather pink, with a savory nose of pomegranate, sumac strawberries, plum skin and clove buds. Through the finish, there is saffron and even a dusting of turmeric/white pepper that keeps things completely in a savory space. Very good. Big. - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate, 90 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Rose
Varietal - Mataro
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%