Bronze for Medina Rose Grenache in France

Delicata’s 2013 vintage Medina Rosé Grenache has just been awarded a Bronze medal at the 38th Challenge International du Vin held recently in Bourg, on the outskirts of Bordeaux in France.

This most prestigious of wine competitions is the largest international wine competition held in France and organised by the Concours des Vins which is both independent and non-profit making. It is also certified to ISO 9001 standards, a certification which testifies to its established high quality approach and the application of rigorous technical standards.

At the competition each spring, more than 5,000 wines from around 38 countries are tasted over two days by some 800 wine professionals and expert consumers. The tasting happens in optimum conditions over two mornings with each jury tasting two series of twelve wines. Tasting takes place in neutralised rooms under the supervision of three commissioners.

Produced under the watchful eye of the Delicata winery’s 4th generation family winemaker Matthew Delicata, this is the second wine to receive an important accolade in the last two months and brings Delicata’s roll of honour closer to a Century.

The 2013 vintage Medina Rosé is made entirely from Malta grown Grenache Noir grapes, all hand picked from selected family run vineyards. Relatively speaking the Grenache Noir is a fairly recent addition to the Maltese viticultural scene. It was introduced to the Islands by Delicata in 1994, just twenty years ago. This French Rhône Valley variety is most famously used in red wines such as Côtes du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but further south in Provence it produces some of the best pink wines in the world.

Tasting Note

MEDINA Rosé Grenache, 2013 by Delicata

“This is a top-notch dry signature pretty pink wine, probably Malta’s jewel in the crown of any Mediterranean ring of rosés. A summer-fruity and friendly nose opens up to you with a tapestry of fresh fragrances of blossoms and quince. Flavours of raspberry and sappy watermelon follow through on a tinkling palate with a beautifully fleshy mouthfeel to finish.”

Food Pairing Suggestions

This fresh and distinctive, dry rosé is ideal to sip as aperitif and suits a variety of dishes. But it really deserves the company of fancier fare such as shellfish and seafood platters. It stands up to salmon and tuna and brings life to richer fish dishes such as grilled red mullet wrapped in strips of pancetta.