New on our supermarket shelves this year is Rosemount O, a light, low-alcohol sparkling white wine, launched by its makers as an innovative new 'over ice' beverage.
The drink is the first of its kind to hit Australian shores and comes in response to a growing demand among young women in Australia for lighter, low calorie and low alcohol beverages.
"Australians have told us that they're looking for something different from wine," says Lisa Saunders, group marketing manager of Rosemount Australia, "and Rosemount has responded with Rosemount O". She adds that the new wine "is an ideal accompaniment to any occasion, whether it's a laid-back barbecue or a casually stylish dinner party with friends."
It certainly adds a touch of glamour and elegance to an Esky or a dinner table, with its stylish arctic blue, long-necked bottle and classic labeling. But beyond aesthetics, does it actually taste any good?
The taste is certainly fruity, sweet and refreshingly crisp, and we're told by the makers that Rosemount O is made from a riper white grape giving the wine a fuller, richer flavour. However, there's little to differentiate the taste of this light drink from any classic white wine spritzer, which uses lemonade as opposed to soda water.
Why over ice?
Serving the drink with ice apparently enhances the crisp, fruity taste, while making the bubbles last longer and of course keeping the wine cooler too — always a bonus throughout Australia's hot, summer months.
How much does it cost?
At $17.99 per 750 ml bottle, it won't break the bank and comes in at an average cost for bottle shop wine.
Alcohol content
The alcohol is lower in volume to most sparkling white wines, at nine per cent ABV (Alcohol By Volume).
What's in the name?
The 'O' was selected as a general reference to the 'O' in over ice, the shape of the bubbles and the 'O' in zero degrees – the temperature at which water turns to ice. Clever, eh?
YOUR SAY: Would you choose to drink Rosemount 'O'? Perhaps you've already tried it? Tell us what you think below...
