See if our wine expert’s tastebuds were left tickled pink after putting two Australian rosés to the test.
Clutch your glasses as we dive into the brave world of blind tastings with our Dan Murphy's wine expert Sean Menezes. In a high-stakes sensory showdown, Sean fearlessly puts his tastebuds on the line to unravel the mysteries of two captivating products – our favourite budget-friendly dupe and a more expensive mystery bottle. Sean’s mission? To dissect the profiles of the two products before him and guess which is the more wallet-friendly winner – for all to see and sip for themselves. Here, Sean pours out his thoughts on each sip and why the dupe is worthy of filling your glass – the differences, the quirks, and the delightful surprises that set each product apart.
You loved our French rosé dupe challenge so much we decided to pour up another contest and go back for rosé, round two. This time, however, we’re putting some closer-to-home drops to the Dan’s Dupes test.
Once again, our wine expert Sean is on hand to uncork the truth and see if he can distinguish the difference between two Australian rosés from two different price brackets. The first, a pricier pink favourite (hint: a well-known Australian rosé boasting a price tag of around $30) and the second, a cheaper local gem (it won't set you back more than $16.99). With our palates primed for deception, join us to discover if this dupe makes us blush.
- Q.Thoughts on the first rosé you tasted? (For those playing at home, this was the more expensive mystery drop). Any surprises, nuances, or characteristics that stood out?
“The first wine was fragrant, inviting on the nose, and intensely floral with notes of lychee, strawberry, and red apple. A classic, dry Aussie rosé that was zippy and lively on the palate; it made me salivate and instantly go in for a second sip. With a good balance of fruit and acid, this is a great wine to take to a barbecue with friends and enjoy the moment.”
- Q.What were your thoughts on the flavours and textures of the second rosé you tasted? (Did someone say dupe? This would be the cheaper option of the two)
“The second wine [Chapel Hill’s The Parson Sangiovese Rosé] was a bit darker in colour, not as fragrant as the first, but it had some lovely aromas nonetheless. I noticed more red apple, strawberry and light cherry notes, and minerality. On the palate, it was refreshing and easy to drink – two prerequisites of any good rosé. It’s a wine made to be drunk young and enjoyed freely.
- Q.Time to uncork the mystery: which Australian rosé did you bet your tastebuds on as being the more budget-friendly option?
“I picked the second wine to be the budget-friendly option. The reason was the simplicity of the wine and the fact it was clean and aromatic. It had some lovely fruit notes and acidity.”
- Q.Okay, so you're an expert and correctly guessed the more wallet-friendly contender, but does the Chapel Hill rosé hold its ground as a worthy dupe?
“This budget-friendly wine is a well-made, easy-drinking rosé that you’ll find yourself reaching for again once you've tried it. Don't let its price tag fool you. This is from a great local producer who focuses on quality. It’s perfect for a midweek glass, a sunny day at the park, and a great pairing with Mediterranean food.
- Q.When it comes to stopping and smelling the (Aussie) rosés, what ways can we explore the wide range to find a favourite?
“When it comes to Australian rosés, you’re spoilt for choice with so many varieties that can be used, including grenache, shiraz, pinot noir, merlot and other blends. From sweet to dry, fruit-forward to savoury, the styles are endless, and as with most wines, it is all about finding what floats your boat.
“For starters, rosés come with varying sugar sweetness levels, so find one that works for you and sends your tastebuds into a frenzy. Some sweetness can catapult a rosé on the drinkability scale, while others prefer a dry rosé.
“Another way to explore the different styles is to pick rosés of varying colour intensities. There will be a few that surprise you. It also makes a huge difference where and when you drink your wine, but this holds particularly true for Champagne and rosé. Rosés are meant to be fun and exciting, so enjoy your refreshing styles during the summer.
“That said, wine is about learning and having loads of fun along the way, and I strongly encourage you to explore food pairing with rosés. That’s what will unlock new dimensions of taste and enjoyment.”
