Move over pinot gris, here come the rich aromas of the lady herself – Ruby Rouge. Aptly named, considering the colour of my cheeks after a glass. She presents with a deep crimson body, casting a siren call for an immediate sip.
Is it cherry, strawberry or blackberry that offends the palette first and foremost? I would say a combination of all, followed with a sharp sour twang that strangely leaves one wanting more. Being a glutton, I am now half a bottle deep whilst I write this.
Ruby Rouge is cast in a rich green bottle and encouraged with a burgundy labelling; like a bottle you’d see on your grandmother’s shelf, alongside a crystal wine glass that’s hardly used bar the occasional tipple of sherry.
She’s the sophisticated cousin of a goon of red wine, the one your wine-o aunty that gets cut on and starts belting ABBA overtop of your uncle's political rants (thought this was a universal experience). It’s both distasteful, but still admiral in its effort.
I can’t help but comment on the furnace within my stomach after downing a glass before taking off to the Capping Show. Given winter is just round the corner, it could be the perfect accompaniment for your frosty Octagon-bound quests. Glass of Rouge in hand, I’d feel at home smacking my lips after polite sips whilst wrapped in fur, riding a sled through Narnian snow and grazing on Turkish delights.
At only $12.99 a bottle, this drop could be classed as either a poor man’s port or trailer park treasure. Given it may be the only thing that won’t disappoint you this weekend, take Griselda’s advice and unearth this one from the cellar.
Pairs well with: Casual / binge drinking / pre-drinking on a crisp autumnal evening.
Sponsored by: Ormond (I wish).
Meal accompaniment: Chilli Dhaba Lamb Rogan Josh, the best meat on the market – other than myself.
Better living everyone,
Griselda Pinot xo