Starlino Rosé Aperitivo

Appearance: Exactly the same pale salmon colour as some rosé wines. Aroma: Rose water, strawberry, grapefruit and the lightest possible waft of lavender. Flavour and Texture: The arrival is sweet, with berries and citrus dominating. A bitter note combining grapefruit zest and cinchona comes quickly forward to balance the palate. The texture is full and mouth coating. This aperitivo, made by the same people who make Malfy gin, is based on light-bodied wine from trebbiano (I.e. ugni blanc) grapes. The wine is combined with spirit and natural flavourings and the profile leans heavily towards citrus, particularly grapefruit, with berry overtones. The bitter component is stated as being wormwood and I’d wager it is one of the petit species. There is also an unmistakable presence of quinine. It’s a very pleasant addition to the aperitivo catalogue and I could certainly see myself buying it again. It is elegant and works best in an uncluttered drink where its character can show through. I would not mix this with spirits or vermouth but instead stay with simple refreshing concoctions where it is the featured flavour component. The makers recommend it with tonic or in a spritz, and I would agree that a spritz is the best way to take it. My choice for sparkling wine is cava, which works wonderfully well here. The combination has graceful élan and is more interesting then the usual Aperol and prosecco. “Good” : 83/100 (3.5 stars)

Almost akin to a Blanc vermouth. It is very jammy and round, sweet like fruit punch and black berries.