Pia Strehn »Shiki Miki«, Rosé Brut, 750 ml

The vinification: The »Shiki Miki« brut rosé by the Strehn Winery is an enticing sparkling rosé wine, crafted from 70 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 % Syrah grapes that grow on 35-year-old vines. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes benefit from the warmth of sunlit stones near the Hungarian border, while the Syrah thrives on the sandy soils close to Deutschkreutz in Austria. Protected by the natural surroundings of the Bucklige Welt region in the west, the Ödenburger Mountains in the north and the Günser Mountains in the south, the vineyards enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year with only around 600 mm of rainfall - ideal conditions for a wine with intense aromatics. The grapes are handpicked in the cool morning hours by no later than 11 am to protect them from the midday heat. After gentle pressing, the first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine's freshness and fruitiness. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle, followed by the addition of carbon dioxide to achieve a fine, elegant mousse. The name »Shiki« means »festivity« in Japanese, reflecting perfectly the cheerful and festive atmosphere this wine spreads.

Tasting notes: The »Shiki Miki« brut rosé sparkles upon pouring with its shimmering, light pink colour and reveals a delicate aroma of fresh watermelon, strawberries, and red currants, complemented by floral notes of roses and jasmine along with a subtle minerality. The perlage dances lightly across the tongue, with strawberries taking a flavourful lead and leaving a pleasantly tactile texture on the palate. The balance between sweetness and acidity is masterfully adjusted, and the wine exhibits both texture and character. A slightly smoky finish and a length that lingers in a cloud of white-flowered aromas round off the tasting experience.

Food pairings: Ideally chilled between 6° and 8° Celsius, the sparkling rosé is recommended as a refined aperitif to accompany fine finger food. Its lively and fruity notes wonderfully complement grilled fish and shellfish dishes, marinated char, spicy goat’s cheese, and summer salads. It also reveals its class with more robust main dishes such as duck, game, quails, pigeons, and goose. An exquisite combination arises with tender rabbit or veal, where the rosé demonstrates its versatility and elegance.