Aaldering Florence Pinotage Rosé 2025 Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

The Florence label is where Aaldering loosens its tie. Named from the Latin for blossoming, it gathers bright, youthful wines meant for regular enjoyment rather than the cellar. This pink sits happily in that world, a fresh, unfussy rosé that still carries the estate’s fingerprints for Pinotage.

Made from 100 percent Pinotage grown across the Western Cape, it is pressed early for a pale, delicate colour and a medium-bodied, dry style. Bottled under screwcap to lock in freshness, it is designed to be poured young and cold. Within the Florence range it is the go-to for warm-weather and casual drinking.

A cold, wet winter set the vines up well before an even, moderate growing season through late 2024. Higher-than-usual summer rainfall raised disease pressure, though the vineyards escaped unscathed, and a few January heatwaves sped up ripening. Hot days and cool nights lifted flavour and colour, giving concentrated wines with lively acidity.

Light pink with an orange hue. Sweet red berry aromas are lifted by candy floss and floral notes. The palate brings tart cherry and raspberry, with balanced acidity adding length and elegance to a medium-bodied frame. Serve it well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees, and enjoy over the next three years.

This is a crowd-pleasing dry rosé in the fresh, fruity Cape style, more about balance than sweetness. It works with charcuterie and cheese, or something a little different like feta, spinach, mint and quinoa tartlets. Bright and elegant, it is the easy answer to a summer lunch or a table full of friends.