Who makes it?

The House of Pink has a sub title of Mind your Ps and Qs. I am sure there is a story behind the name, with Chester Osborn naming wines, there usually is. Under the current custodianship of Chester Osborn, d’Arenberg has continued to flourish. Since 2019, the family also produce some biodynamic and organic wines. 

While some of the newer wines have names that seem bonkers, such as The Cenosilicaphobic Cat Sagrantino Cinsault and Stephanie the Gnome with Rose Tinted Glasses Shiraz Sangiovese, the family remain respectful of their history. They have made sure that the new sits amicably beside the traditional offerings such as The Dead Arm Shiraz, The Coppermine Road Cabernet and Ironstone Pressings Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre blend. 

How do they make it?

The House of Pink is a unique blend of Australian Sagrantino and Sangiovese. In the current vintage, Carignan enters as a feature grape too. Sagrantino and Sangiovese are still relatively new to Australian vineyards. Out of the two, Sangiovese is probably the best known as an Australian Italian ‘alternative’ variety. However, Sagrantino has been around in Australia long enough for there to be interesting versions coming along. 

Interestingly, Carignan may have been around longer. However, it seems there has been some confusion as to whether the Carignan planted in the 1960s in Australia was indeed Carignan.

All these grapes have been undergone some carbonic maceration before crushing. After crushing, the juice and the skins get separated as the juice quickly. 

What does it taste like?

This is a fruity rose. There is a spiciness to the cherry berry fruit and some confectionary. The wine is balanced though and is textural.

What to drink it with?

I would enjoy The House of Pink with Asian flavours.

Cheese

White bloomy cheeses and semi hard cheeses such as manchego. A Saint Nectaire would be nice too. 

Quickie review « There is no mistaking this colour, and it is a well balanced and textural rose as you would expect from this iconic producer. »

Country of Origin:  McLaren Vale, Australia
Tasting Date: June 2025
Price:  UK £ | AU$20
Drink: now – 3+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like d’Arenberg wines, why not check out:
d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings

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