Marino Selak arrived in New Zealand from Croatia in 1906 and found wine in short supply. In 1934 he and his nephew Mate began making it themselves in West Auckland, and the family name has stayed on the bottle ever since. Selaks now makes its wine in Hawke's Bay, where this rosé is grown, and it belongs to the Taste Collection, the winery's flavour-focused range.
The Berries and Cream Rosé is a pale pink. The juice was fermented cool, then racked, blended and bottled early so the bright primary fruit stayed intact. Summer berry aromas lead into a smooth, creamy palate packed with blackberry and raspberry, and it finishes fine and elegant.
It is a rosé for the table rather than the cellar, so drink it young and cold. The winery's own suggestion is seared salmon with a rocket, nectarine and goat's cheese salad dressed with raspberry vinaigrette. Grilled prawn skewers, a platter of cured meats and soft cheeses, or a bowl of strawberries on a warm afternoon suit it equally well.