Post By: Molly Bohon
Picture By: Territorial Vineyards
When most people think about wine, the first thing to pop in their mind is…white or red. What many people never consider is a pink wine, also known as a Rosé. Springtime is an excellent season for this refreshing wine and it is rarely given the acknowledgement it deserves. The South Willamette Valley has some magnificent Rosés like Capitello Wines 2014 Rosé. To help give this kind of pink wine the credibility it deserves, it might help to gain a better understanding of what makes a Rosé such a unique kind wine. They are so versatile that you are sure to find one you’ll enjoy!
Rosés tend to be underappreciated because of their pinkish color. What many wine drinkers do not know, is that Rosés are one of the best kept secrets in the wine world. Some of the most delectable sips come from Rosés. What gives Rosés such unique qualities, are that the red grapes are crushed and their skins left on for only a minimal amount of time. With red wine, the grapes are left on for many months at a time before being pressed. With a rosé, the skins tend to be left on only for a few hours or days meaning much lower tannins. The longer the skins soak the deeper shade of pink the wine is. Some rosés can be a deep pink while others are a light salmon color. Having the skins sit is not the only thing that gives the wine its’ unusual color. Using different grapes can also change the color and flavors of the wine. Some Rosés tend to be blends from multiple grapes like Sweet Cheeks 2014 Dry Rose. This wine is a blend from parcels of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Merlot siagneés. The 2014 Dry Rose has a tropical characteristic in the wine as well as a strawberry and cherry finish. Although some Rosés are blends, there are many Rosés that use a single type of grape, like Pfeiffer Vineyard’s Blushing Bride Rose. Made from 100% Merlot grapes, this wine has a slightly sweet, grilled strawberry finish that is sure to perk up your taste buds. King Estate’s 2014 Acrobat Rosé of Pinot Noir is another example of a non-blended Rosé. This wine has the aroma of plum, red cherry, and lavender flavorings with the taste of raspberry, spice, and even a hint of lime!
The winemaking process always has major influence in the final product of the wine and the taste of the wine. For instance, a Rosé can be sweet or it can be dry. It can be sparkling, semi-sparkling, or it can be still. For example, Noble Estate’s award wining Rosé is their semi-sparkling Passion. It has strawberry, apricot, and rosewater characteristics which pair wonderfully with sorbet, chocolate, and strawberries. An example of a still Rosé is LaVelle Vineyards 2014 White Pinot Noir. This wine has a soft sweetness with crisp citrus flavors like grapefruit with a bit of white peach and strawberry.
Although these Rosés are not considered the “classic” red or white wine, sipping on a Rosé is one of the ultimate Spring drinks to have on a sunny afternoon. Also, don’t forget to submit a Rosé inspired Instagram using #SWWAbarreltour for a chance to win 2 passes to the 2015 Barrel Tour! We will be choosing a photo the first week of May and winners will be announced on May 10th, so start snapping those pictures! Must be 21+ to enter! So head out to your favorite South Willamette Wineries to try some of these delicious Rosés and don’t forget to Instagram your photo!