Paros Farming Community, Seiradi Vin Mousseux Rose 2023

When Dimitris Mansolas was preparing the (temporary) winemaking space for the Paros cooperative, he prioritised isobaric bottling. Clearly, even before the talented winemaker succeeded (in just one year!) in transforming the Paros Farming Community into a producer whose performance many would envy, he had in mind the goal of creating a sparkling wine from this unique Aegean vineyard.
 

The sparkling wine indeed did not take long to arrive, and it donned a rosé attire. The Seiradi Vin Mousseux Rosé is a blend of Monemvasia and Mandilaria, produced using the Charmat method. The wine remains in closed tanks with the lees for 4-6 months, while the chosen dosage places it in the Extra Brut category.

The Seiradi sparkling wine features a soft rosé colour with subtle coppery reflections and a fizz that, in the initial seconds, resembles soda! However, after 1-2 minutes in the glass, it showcases its effervescence, which is irregular yet delicate and particularly intense.

The Vin Mousseux offers aromas of currant and withered jasmine with particular restraint. However, things improve significantly on the palate, where nothing leaves room for complaint. This medium-bodied wine possesses ideal balance, commendable length, and a bold flavour enhanced by a perfect seasoning of tannins. Of course, no Charmat method can reach the complexity of a traditionally fermented sparkling wine or develop autolytic character, but this particular rosé offers the best that its winemaking method allows.

I know that many people want to satisfy their glamorous vanity and add value to such sparkling wines by serving them in trendy, modern glasses for mature Champagnes. However, all they do is detract from the quality, as Charmat sparkling wines are always best suited (by far) to a classic flute, such as the Riedel Vinum Champagne. Chilled to 8-10°C, this rosé should not be confined to the role of an aperitif, as its strength will comfortably complement dishes like pomegranate salads, valley prawns, or grilled chicken thigh fillet.

With a single effort, PFC has managed to add its most oenologically demanding cuvée to its string of successes. However, the Seiradi Vin Mousseaux is not just a beautiful rosé sparkling wine; it is also exceptionally well-priced (€16), especially considering the prices from the Cycladic vineyards. Yet another plus in the admirable qualities of the first sparkling from Paros!

Rating: 7.5/10.