Top Wine For A Skive?

If ever you want to skive off work by pulling a sickie, I would recommend sitting out on the balcony in the BURNING hot sun, watch the squirrels and neck some rose wine. It just so happens, that's what I'm doing today.

The wine:
Pasqua / Bardolino Chiaretto / 2003 / Italy / 12%

It's fresh, clean and light; an orangey pink colour and very pale on the rim. The nose is not at all intense, just a hint of citrus and berries (can't be more specific with the berries). The palate is fruity but again a bit non-descript ... maybe cherry? Perhaps a bit of oak?. It isn't very acidic but it is dry and light to medium bodied.

It has a surprisingly long length for a rose, and it's rather bitter and strangely cloying on the finish. It feels like you need to swish with a glass of water after each mouthful.

I think it's balanced and as the bottle is open, I would say that it is "ready to drink" and can't be kept a moment longer. At £5.99 (from a corner shop so expect a mark-up) it is of reasonable value and 'OK' in terms of quality.

I prefer the red variety from Pasqua, however.