Waiata Rosé 2026

Rosé from the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Sold by the six-pack.

Tasting note

Pale coral pink. Spice, white pear, citrus and watermelon on the nose. The palate leans into red fruit and keeps things moving. Vibrant and ready for the table. Serve it well chilled.

Winemaking

Four varieties, one Rosé. Each was picked and fermented separately with an aromatic yeast, then left on fine lees to build intrigue. The blend was put together to capture classic Rosé fruit, keep a bright, refreshing acidity and hold on to that pale colour.

Vintage conditions

North Canterbury gave us an interesting season in 2026. Bud burst came early and the warmth held, with above average temperatures running right through to Christmas, so an early harvest looked likely. Flowering was quick and even, and fruit set came in on target. From January the weather turned, with cooler temperatures, long spells of cloud cover and some rain bringing the season back into balance and the picking dates back to normal. Heavy rain during March did not hold things up, and harvest ran from mid-March to around 25 April, with the fruit coming in fully ripe and full of flavour.

The detail

Region: 100% Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Grape variety: 77% Pinot Gris, 17% Pinot Noir, 4% Riesling, 2% Sauvignon Blanc
Winemaker: Alastair Maling MW
Alcohol: 13%
Acidity (TA): 5.74 g/L
Residual sugar: 3.5 g/L
pH: 3.38
When to enjoy: 2026 to 2028

Suggested food match

Enjoy chilled with grilled white fish, tuna, salmon or chicken; or with a delicious platter of seafood, cheeses, charcuterie and summer fruits.

What the critics said

93 points, 5 stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2026

"Pristine and immediately appealing, the bouquet reveals ripe strawberry, cranberry, rockmelon, and Gala apple notes, followed by a lively palate that's juicy and vibrant. Finely expressed with poise, offering fabulous drinking."