Lab Rose

Lab Rosé is a Portuguese rosé wine from the Lisboa region, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a 750ml format. A Gold medal winner at the Berlin Wine Trophy, this blend of indigenous and international grape varieties from Casa Santos Lima delivers bright fruit character at an accessible entry point into Portuguese rosé.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Lisboa, Portugal  |  Still Rosé Wine  |  Producer: Casa Santos Lima

Production & Heritage

Casa Santos Lima is a family-owned estate in the Vinho Regional Lisboa appellation, one of Portugal's most dynamic coastal wine regions. Lab Rosé is a blend of Castelão, Camarate, and Cabernet Sauvignon—marrying two traditional Portuguese red varieties with a widely recognized Bordeaux grape. The grapes are grown in clay and limestone soils at a density of 4,200 plants per hectare, harvested between late August and mid-October, then carefully destemmed and pressed before fermentation in 10,000-liter stainless steel vats at a controlled 18°C to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A brilliant bright pink hue leads into a lively, aromatic bouquet. Expect fresh strawberries and raspberries upfront, followed by subtle floral hints that add complexity without weight.

Taste: The palate opens with juicy strawberry and blackberry flavors that carry through the mid-palate with a pink mulberry sweetness. Refreshing acidity provides backbone and balance, while fine tannins add unexpected structure for a rosé of this weight.

Finish: Medium in length with a pleasant tangy quality—think orange zest—alongside a whisper of liquorice. The finish stays crisp and clean, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Lab Rosé

Serve well chilled between 8–10°C to emphasize its refreshing acidity and fruit purity. A versatile wine that works beautifully on its own or alongside food. For cocktails: try it in a Frosé, where the strawberry-forward profile makes a natural frozen slush base; a Rosé Sangria with sliced stone fruits and fresh mint, which complements the wine's berry and floral character; or a Rosé Spritz with a splash of elderflower liqueur and soda water, playing off the wine's crisp acidity.

Best For

• Casual summer patio drinking with friends
• Introducing someone to Portuguese wines beyond Vinho Verde
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a barbecue or potluck
• Pairing with light Mediterranean weeknight dinners

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lab Rosé taste like? Lab Rosé delivers juicy strawberry and blackberry flavors with refreshing acidity, fine tannins, and a tangy orange-zest note on the finish. It is a fresh, light, and vivacious rosé with a clean, fruit-driven profile.

How does Lab Rosé compare to other Lisboa rosés? Lab Rosé distinguishes itself through its three-grape blend of Castelão, Camarate, and Cabernet Sauvignon, whereas many Lisboa rosés rely on a single variety. The inclusion of two indigenous Portuguese grapes gives it a regional authenticity that purely international-varietal rosés lack.

Is Lab Rosé good for beginners? Yes—its approachable fruit-forward character and balanced acidity make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring rosé or Portuguese wines. The 12.5% ABV keeps it light and easy to enjoy.

Where is Lab Rosé made? Lab Rosé is produced by Casa Santos Lima in the Vinho Regional Lisboa appellation of Portugal, a coastal region just north of Lisbon known for its maritime-influenced wines. The grapes are grown in clay and limestone soils within the estate's vineyards.

What foods pair well with Lab Rosé? Grilled shrimp or prawns, where the wine's acidity cuts through richness; fresh goat cheese salads that echo its tangy finish; charcuterie boards featuring mild cured meats like prosciutto; Mediterranean vegetable dishes such as ratatouille; and sushi or sashimi, where the crisp freshness complements delicate fish.

What sizes does Lab Rosé come in? Lab Rosé is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Lab Rosé worth the price? Lab Rosé positions squarely as an entry-level rosé, and within that tier it punches above its weight—a Berlin Wine Trophy Gold medal and an 84-point score from Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss confirm solid quality for everyday drinking.

Why Lab Rosé?

What separates Lab Rosé from the crowded field of warm-weather pinks is its distinctly Portuguese identity. The use of Castelão and Camarate alongside Cabernet Sauvignon creates a flavor profile you simply won't find in Provençal or domestic rosés—juicy and fruit-driven, yet structured by fine tannins and invigorated by real acidity. Gold medals at both the Berlin Wine Trophy and Asia Wine Trophy validate the quality Casa Santos Lima achieves through temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation and thoughtful vineyard management on clay-limestone soils. For drinkers looking beyond the predictable, this is a smart and rewarding bottle.