Winemaker's Notes

Our 2008 Ladybug Rosé is composed of 80% Cabernet Franc, 12% Gamay, and the remaining 8% other vinifera. Each component variety was handled individually. The grapes were hand harvested and sorted to achieve an average sugar level of 21.9° brix, soaked on the skins for an average 18 hours, fermented cool in stainless steel and then blended to create a rich rosé. Bottled with 13% alcohol and acidity of 7g/l on April 10, 2008 under Stelvin® closure. Drink now until end of 2009.

Food Pairings

This Rosé goes with just about everything. Try with prosciutto rolled in arugula leaves with black pepper and extra virgin olive oil with a shave of Parmigiano Reggiano. You can't miss with garlic - even roasted whole - and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a tiny bit of blue cheese. Great with a warmed goat cheese crottin on endive and arugula salad. For some simpler pairings, this wine is great with deli style hot dogs with all the fixins - diced onion, Dijon mustard, & tomato concassé on a sesame seed bun. Also great with nachos, ham, chicken and any kind of pizza.

Wine Reviews

Tony Aspler April 6, 2009
(Cabernet Franc with 30% Gamay): orange-pink; minerally, raspberry; crisp, rich elderberry and raspberry flavours; elegant and well structured with a dry finish. Light-bodied with lingering berry notes. Rating: 90

Michael Pinkus
It seems that Malivoire has themselves a new label … unfortunately it’s a little more whimsical then their previous label – but for this wine it just might work. A playful pink colour with a big raspberry, cherry nose … the palate is big on cherry as it plays and repeats across the tongue. Such an easy summer sip this one is going to be, and you won’t soon forget that surprising apple peel taste amongst all those cherries. Rating: ****

David Lawrason
This has always been one of Niagara’s best pink wines. The new vintage is spry and fresh and well balanced, with some candy coated sweetness. The nose shows redcurrant and roses. Quite tender, fresh, with a touch of wet stone minerality on finish. Very good length. Rating: 88

LCBO Vintages June 7, 2008
"Under the Ladybug name, Malivoire consistently crafts one of Ontario's most expressive and classy rosés."