Post By: Molly Bohon and Wineries Included in this Article
Picture By: High Pass Winery

There are many exquisite Rosés produced in the South Willamette Valley. Earlier this month we mentioned a few of our extraordinary Rosés, but there are still many in the area that deserve attention. This pink wine is so versatile, you are bound to satisfy your taste buds with one of our refreshing Rosés. Although many flavors are common in a Rosé such as, cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, there are an incredible amount of ways to transform their flavors to make every Rosé exceptional and unique.

For example, Brigadoon Wine Co. has a 2014 Rosé of Pinot Noir that is a dry Rosé, but it would be easy to think otherwise as massive Oregon strawberries and watermelon aromas jump out of the glass. There is roundness to this wine that seems to be countered by small waves of acidity. This balance of richness and acidity shows with flavors ranging from raspberry tart to strawberry rhubarb. As far as food pairings, the wine can certainly be enjoyed alone, but winemaker, Max Shown, is interested to try it with fish dishes such as halibut tacos or to see how the bright fruit flavors and acidity can hold up to the richness of grilled salmon.
Capitello Wines 2014 Rosé also has a lovely ripe strawberry aroma but is quite different than the Pinot Noir Rosé from Brigadoon Wine Co. This fabulous Rosé was produced in the French Provence traditional skin-contact method, as opposed to the more popular saignee’ “bleed-off” method. They harvested their Pinot Noir fruit 10 days earlier than their typical Pinot Noir fruit harvest in order to capture the bright and zesty fruit flavors and freshness, while also maintaining the natural lively acidity they strive for in their Rosé. Enjoy this Rosé with mild flavored seafood and pastas or sipping on it with friends!

Both of these wines are Pinot Noir Rosés, but Domaine Meriwether has released a limited production of their 2001 Brut Rosé Cuvee. This is a blend of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. This wine is light salmon-pink in color and has aromas that are highlighted with fresh strawberries and a toasty caramel undertone. One can taste red fruit on the palate with subtle hints of spice. This wine has a way of enhancing the components of nearly any meal and, on it’s own, will be a great wine to sip on.

To change it up with something a little more untraditional, try Territorial Vineyards 2014 Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Gris. This untraditional Rosé opens with floral notes, piercing aromas of white pear, lemon zest and flint. Pome fruit and citrus notes fill the mouth while a vibrant acidity melts seamlessly into a palate-cleansing, food-friendly finish.

With the lovely spring weather a Rosé is a perfect option to take along on a beautiful picnic outside. And while you are out sipping one of your South Willamette Valley Rosés don’t forget to “think pink” and 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!