Palate
It is crisp and refreshing, not overly sweet, and has hints of cherry and plum.
Growing Conditions
Mourvèdre grapes for this rosé come from our Oakley vineyards in Contra Costa County. These century-old vines grow in the deep sand-soil along the delta of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. Cool winds blow off the water and allow the grapes to hold their bright acidity. The combination of low average rainfall and fast-draining soil in the region limits the production of the vines, resulting in a scant but intensely flavored crop.
Winemaking
Our Mourvèdre Rosé is made as a Blanc de Noir or “white of a red grape,” in the style of a white wine. The skins are removed by pressing before fermentation begins. The wine extracts a small amount of color, and a little of the astringent tannins, from the red grape skins. Juice is fermented slowly at cold temperatures to preserve the bright fruit flavors and halted just before the wine is dry.
Food Pairing
Makes an excellent chilled accompaniment for spicy foods, chicken Provencal, salmon or Teriyaki.