Mateus has announced the launch of Mateus Dry Rosé 2021, the third vintage released in the United States. With 2022 marking the brand’s 80th anniversary, Mateus Dry Rosé–Portugal’s first rosé wine–is poised to continue its success with the launch of the 2021 vintage.
Mateus Dry Rosé 2021 is composed of mostly Portuguese grape varietals which gives it an intensely fruity palate and balanced finish. “Baga and Touriga Nacional are two of the Portuguese grape varietals we used for Mateus Dry Rosé 2021,” explained Diogo Sepulveda, the Mateus wine maker. “By using these traditional Portuguese red grape varietals, we are able to achieve an elegant rosé with notes of raspberry, red cherry and strawberry. On the palate, it is fresh and fruit forward, with great balance, refreshing acidity and a harmonious long finish.”
The 2021 vintage year in Portugal was marked by above average temperatures, resulting in warmer and drier winter and spring seasons. The warmer spring weather led to flowering at the end of May followed by an exceptionally hot summer with barely any rain. Harvest began in early September resulting in extremely favorable production conditions. While the harvest itself was warmer than prior years, the balmy conditions helped enhance the overall flavor of the Mateus 2021 vintage.
The grape skins are fermented off the fruit itself and are very lightly crushed—this pressing technique allows Mateus to create the perfect pale pink color. Once the desired hue is achieved, a controlled fermentation process follows. The maturation on the fine lees allows for optimal quality for bottling. The combination of the maturation & production process results in a rosé with fruity undertones of raspberry, red cherry and strawberry.
The history of Mateus Rosé goes back to 1942, when Fernando van Zeller Guedes, founder of Sogrape, created and launched a visionary concept: a new style of rosé wine slightly sparkling in its nature. The wine’s unique flavor, strong identity and original bottle design inspired by the flasks worn by soldiers in the First World War turned Mateus into a powerful global rosé wine brand that, 80 years later, remains present in more than 120 countries and over one billion bottles sold. Mateus continues to change the shape of the rosé category.
Beginning this spring Mateus 2021 Dry Rosé (12% ABV) will be available in the U.S in 750mL and 187mL bottle sizes. Mateus Dry Rosé 2021 is best consumed chilled at (45-50 degrees Fahrenheit). It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with light and refreshing dishes like salads, seafood, or Asian inspired dishes.
To learn more about Mateus in the U.S., head over to the brand’s official website.
