Tag Archives: Rose

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30 Days of Rosé | #18 | MIP | Made in Provence | Cinsault-Syrah-Grenache Rosé Wine | Côtes de Provence

30 Days of Rosé | #18 | MIP | Made in Provence | Cinsault-Syrah-Grenache Rosé Wine | Côtes de Provence | $16.99

We adore Rosé.  We buy multiple kiddie pools worth of Rosé.   We don’t buy stacks of every Rosé much less give it the special treatment of a fabulous home garden picture (Kate!! <3 ) so when we stack a Rosé, it’s because it we want to make sure it lasts for more than a hot minute over here.  MIP – Made in Provence Rosé whispered to us through our nose, and yelled in our mouth “buy a lot!” so we stacked it.  Enjoy!

From mip-provence.com:

Domaine Sainte Lucie – a family affair…

Aurélien – Virginie – Guillaume – Muriel – Michel

The estate with its eight hectares of vineyards at the foot of the Mont Saint Victoire in Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence, was created by Michel Fabre in 1979. The children’s arrival in the business (Virginia in 2005, followed by Aurélien in 2009), brought fresh impetus to the running of the family estate. Since then, the estate’s work methods and winemaking practices have been completely overhauled. This process of change has in particular led to major investment in cellar technology (press with protection against oxidation, cross-flow filtration system, bottling line with protection against oxidation), as well as in vineyard machinery (latest generation wine harvester, hydraulic cultivator), but above all to changes in the estate’s sales and marketing strategy. The young Fabre generation has succeeded in implementing a modern, technology-focused and unique approach to winemaking while conserving the authenticity of this large and still family-run estate. The vineyards are being expanded with the planting of new grape varieties to enable diversification of the product portfolio.

A refreshing, easy-to-drink wine and guaranteed crowd pleaser.

  • Appellation: Côtes de Provence
  • Grape varieties: 60% Cinsault -20% Syrah – 20% Grenache
  • Vinification method: Immediate pressing under oxygen-excluding conditions. Fermentation at low temperatures.
  • Ageing: Four months on fine lees.
  • Tasting: Very light rose petal coloured robe. Pleasant and powerful bouquet with notes of white flowers and small yellow fruit. This is a wine with a delicate mouth feel which is ideal as a pre-dinner drink on a summer evening or as an accompaniment to light meals.
  • Food pairings: Ideal with light meals, salads, BBQs and with Provençal-style cuisine in general. Perfect for a before-dinner drink with friends. Try with grilled Mediterranean seafood.

About Domaine Sainte Lucie:

Early September is when the harvest is due to commence. The winemaking cellar is fully disinfected, the vats are descaled and the equipment is set up to receive the grapes. At Domaine Sainte Lucie, harvesting starts around 5th September. During a three-week period, the cellar operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure that the expression of our terroir and our work throughout the year are transferred to the wines.

For the majority of our wines harvesting is done mechanically and at night so that the harvested grapes are cool (reducing the energy required for cooling). The cooler the harvested grapes are, the less transfer of colour there is from the grapes to the juice. The current trend in Provençal rosé leans towards wines with a pale coloured, glistening robe. Our up-to-the minute harvester has in-vehicle technology enabling the grapes to be harvested whole, without damaging the vineyard.

The grapes are then quickly transferred to the winemaking cellar in stainless steel hydraulic-flow bins. A natural approach to protecting the grapes is implemented right from their arrival at the cellar. Our processes are driven by our sustainable winemaking principles, which aim for the lowest addition of sulphites possible.

  • Total wine-growing area: 45 hectares
  • Terroir: Gravel
  • Age of vines: 5 to 60 years old
  • Grape varieties: Syrah – Grenache – Cinsault – Cabernet Sauvignon – Carignan – Rolle & Clairette
  • Growing characteristics: Use of sustainable agricultural practices
  • Winemaking characteristics: Vinification under oxygen-excluding conditions with no sulphites added at harvesting and low-temperature fermentation to avoid denaturing the flavour of the grapes and the character of the wines.

The winemaking process – technique & tradition

Several winemaking techniques are implemented at the winery. For the rosé wines, which account for the major part of our production, either immediate pressing or skin-contact maceration is used. However, there is also a third winemaking technique, which is specific to our estate. This secret technique is of course what gives our wines their specific profile.

Pressing or maceration – Rosé wines

Our rosé wines are produced using one of two techniques: immediate pressing or maceration. Immediate pressing is employed. As soon as the grapes arrive at the winemaking cellar, they are protected with dry ice and cooled. The harvested grapes are entirely destalked and lightly crushed.

The juices extracted at pressing are again cooled to facilitate settling. This settling stage, known as débourbage, consists of allowing the rosé grape must, which is full of plant debris and pulp, to clarify naturally by settling. Débourbage takes from 12 to 24 hours depending on the maturity of the grapes.

Once the very clear juice has been separated from the rest, the sediment is filtered out, enabling a highly aromatic juice (known as the suc de la vigne) to be obtained.

It is only once this clarification stage is complete that the fermentation of the grape must can commence. Alcoholic fermentation at low temperatures, lasting 15 to 20 days at a constant 16°C, helps to preserve the future wine’s aromatic potential. During fermentation, vats are checked three times a day and the contents tasted regularly.

 

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30 Days of Rosé | #17 | Mont Gravet | 100% Cinsault Rosé | Languedoc

30 Days of Rosé | #17 | Mont Gravet | 100% Cinsault Rosé | Languedoc

We’ve been on a kick with featuring some of our luscious, moderately priced Rosé lately.  Today, we are featuring Mont Gravet Cinsault Rosé for under $10… an incredible everyday Rosé for the price!

  • Mont Gravet Rosé
  • Pays d’Oc | Languedoc, France
  • Grape Variety:  100% Cinsault
  • 12% ABV
  • $8.99

About the Producer

Close to the producers, and in order to source from the best vineyards, our winemaker has found some amazing “terroirs” in the South of France. The Languedoc climatic conditions allow a perfect maturation for the grapes which are moderated by the humid influence of the Mediterranean.

http://www.benoitfrance.com/postale.php

Vineyard

Mont Gravet Rosé comes from specially selected Cinsault vineyards in the Languedoc region, located near the warm Mediterranean shoreline in Southern France. The Cinsault variety is also one of the main varietals used in the production of Provence rosé and some of the best reds of the Southern Rhone Valley.

Winemaking

Harvested at night the grapes when it is coolest, the grapes undergo a modern winemaking process of 100% direct pressing with temperature carefully controlled and monitored through-out the entire production process. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks.

Tasting Notes

Mont Gravet Rosé is a wonderfully fresh and fruit forward dry Rosé wine. The wine has lovely aromas of raspberry and blackberry and is full body and long on the palate.

Food Match

This Rosé is a wonderful “anytime” wine and a delicious aperitif. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods, as it’s refreshing, savory and well-balanced. It will accompany beautifully any salads, fish, BBQ and white meat dishes.

 

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30 Days of Rosé | #16 | Boyden Valley Winery | Rosé La JuJu | Frontenac & Cayuga

30 Days of Rosé | #16 | Boyden Valley Winery | Rosé La JuJu | Frontenac & Cayuga | $15.99

Our friends at Boyden Valley Winery produce friendly, easy drinking wines with great care and expertise.  We are pleased to be highlighting their crowd pleasing, every-day-rosé right along some of our favorite seasonal vin.

Drink locally (and deliciously!) by exploring Boyden Valley Wines – we’ll happily point out the 10 table wines we have in stock PLUS the 4 dessert / Ice Wines, PLUS their 5 ciders AND their liqueur!

In case you didn’t notice… we’re not just big fans of their liquid portfolio, but our warm friends who make VT increasingly delicious.

Salut!

From boydenvalley.com:

Rosé La JuJu:

David and Linda Boyden started milking grapes in 1997 with the founding of Boyden Valley Winery.  Three generations of Boyden€™s had been milking cows at the Boyden farm prior to that. Rosé La JuJu continues the tradition of fine wines produced at the Winery. Named after their daughters, Juliette (JuJu) and Laurence, this Rosé is crafted from estate grown Frontenac and Cayuga White grapes. Rosé La JuJu is a fun and delicate dry wine, appealing to the pallet and to the eye with a soft pink hue.

Tasting Notes:

A dry French, Provential style Rose with nice tannins, vibrant acidity and flavors of black raspberry and raspberry.

Pairings:

  • Salmon
  • Sushi
  • Strawberry & Chevre Salad

Details:

  • Varietals:  Frontenac & Cayuga
  • Alcohol:  12%
  • Residual Sugar:  0.50%
  • Total Acidity:  0.77 TAR
  • PH:  3.4

Cultivation:

We carefully tend our vineyards throughout the year from pruning in late winter to cultivate the most fruitful buds, canopy management mid-summer that will expose the leaves and produce the most healthy fruits, and harvesting our bounty in the fall.  Learn More …

Land and Soil/Terrior

Our unique location in the Lamoille River Valley provides us with a unique climate and soil to produce a range of fruit that varies from delicate white wines and robust reds to rich and decadent Vermont Ice wines.  Learn More …

Old World Wine Making Tradition:

We make our wines, ciders, and spirits using traditional, old world methods from hand harvesting our fruits to aging in French Oak barrels.  Every product  is crafted with care and attention to detail resulting in outstanding quality to please your palette.  Learn More …

Meet the Winemaker

Tom Lambert, our winemaker and vineyard manager works tirelessly to create delicious wines, ciders, and spirits.  His passion for the process from vine to bottle is evident in every sip, and he loves to experiment with new and unique fruits to our list of products forever growing!  Learn More …

 

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30 Days of Rosé | #14 | A Tribute To Grace | Rosé of Grenache | Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard | 2016

30 Days of Rosé | #14 | A Tribute To Grace | Rosé of Grenache | Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard | 2016 | 13.1% ABV | $23.99

Number 14 of our 30 Days of Rosé is one of the most sought after Rosé wines we get – A Tribute To Grace.

Only a handful of cases of this muchly sought after Rosé make it’s way over from Angela, most of it is instantly snapped up by people in the industry and repeat customers waiting for it.

This wine quickly sells itself every year without marketing it so if you want a bottle (which you do!!) of Angela’s Rosé, get yours before they are gone!

From the bottle:

This wine is a tribute to Grace, my Grandmother, whose quiet strength and guidance has taught me the true meaning of her name.  As my own journey unfolds, grace has become me most revered of nature’s atributes, thus making Grenache the perfect medium.

To grace and Grace,

–  Angela Osborne | Winemaker

 

From gracewinecompany.com:

A Tribute To Grace Wine Company is dedicated to crafting authentic expressions of Grenache.

All wines are single-vineyard sourced to maintain authenticity, and remain 100% Grenache.

Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard, Cuyama Valley, Santa Barbara County

The Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard is situated 33 miles east of Santa Barbara, in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Sitting at 3200 feet elevation, the setting is home to sand, brush, exposed rock, and the odd dingo-type wild dog. And grapes. On my first visit to the vineyard (as pictured in this photo), my mother and I were driving the 33-highway route north from Ojai and were beginning to wonder if we had indeed entered the famed Ojai vortex, so foreign was the setting. We hadn’t seen a single soul in over an hour – in fact nothing living save the odd Matilija mountain Poppy. Upwards we continued to climb, until finally we rounded yet another hairpin-bend and both gasped. Nestled below, amidst a vast sea of sand, were row upon row of vibrant vines.

And so is the setting for this incredible vineyard. Arid and blazing hot in the summertime, snow-laden and sleepy in the wintertime. Not that the summer months see an influx of people, I believe the permanent population of Ventucopa is 59…

I have an ongoing lease of three rows in this remarkable vineyard, which is owned by Laetitia Vineyard and Winery, and nurtured by their famed vineyard manager Lino Bozzano. The entire vineyard is managed sustainably, and planted according to particular site-specificity. Although there are a total of 12 varieties planted, the Grenache plantings represent only 4% of the total vineyard – with five different Grenache clones planted. I am one of five winemakers currently producing wine from this block, and the difference in the wines we each produce speaks volumes as to the part man plays in winemaking.

~ Grace’s Story ~

I am a New Zealand born winemaker who moved to California in 2006 with the dream of making Grenache. In the land from which I stem, the climate is too cool to ripen this sun-loving beauty. And so began my search: northern Spain, southern France, southern Australia, California…

Abundant sunshine and entrepreneurial spirit led me to the latter, and in 2007 I sourced my first Grenache fruit from the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard. Nestled high above the Pacific Ocean and 33 miles inland, this high-desert vineyard provided the perfect balance of heat and light I sought.

I chose to name my label after two of my favourite things: my Grandmother Grace, and my most beloved attribute. My winemaking intention is to capture this spirit, and stay as close to nature as humanly possible. The trio is completed by the grape itself, which to me encapsulates grace.

To grace and Grace,

 – Angela Osborne

 

~ The Day My Toe Took Over ~

My first Thanksgiving in California in 2006 saw me strolling the sands of Moonlight Beach, Encinitas. I was thinking of my Nana Grace, and how much she would love this american tradition ~ and was drawn to write ‘grace’ in the sand with the big toe of my right foot. When I stood back and looked at it, I realized this would be my label: a tribute to grace.

Luckily for me, my dear and most talented friend Nicole Sykes advised me against using this actual image for my label, and instead provided the graceful design that has adorned each bottle since 2007. The Queen Anne’s Lace motif comes from a dried flower she found in a Dublin vintage market, symbolizing simplicity, femininity and the circle of grace.

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30 Days of Rosé | #13 | Sokol Blosser | Estate Cuvée Rosé | Pinot Noir | Dundee Hills, Oregon | 2016

30 Days of Rosé | #13 | Sokol Blosser | Estate Cuvée Rosé | Pinot Noir | Dundee Hills, Oregon | 12% ABV | 2016 |17.99

Lucky number 13 is one of our favorite non-sparkling rosé wines!  We’ve been to multiple industry tastings, and we both agreed it was a solid top 3 rosé for both of us, and a number 1 for one of us.  At under $20 a bottle, this fresh, stunner of a rosé is one of the outstanding gems in our 2017 selection.  Enjoy this invigorating rosé – we sure do!!

From sokolblosser.com:

 


2016 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

Our classic dry rosé is made from organic pinot noir grapes from two different sections of our Estate. The grapes were hand harvested and de-stemmed, and we soaked the juice on the skins for four to six hours before pressing. We maintained an extended, slow, cool fermentation to preserve the lively fruitiness and delicate floral aromas. The fermentation was stopped with just a hint of residual sugar to balance the firm acidity, resulting in a wine that is crisp, vibrant, and refreshing.

Dedication, Quality and Concern for People, Planet and Profit –

From the start, the Sokol Blossers were aware of the impact that farming and wine production would have on the environment. Before it was popular, the winery did everything it could to give back to the land. Today, the second generation winegrowers of Sokol Blosser continue this ‘good to the earth’ policy through certified-organic farming, sustainable business practices and low impact packaging. In fact, in 2002 Sokol Blosser became the first US winery to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. In April 2015, the company went through the rigorous process to become a Certified B Corporation.

Sokol Blosser Is Now A Certified B Corporation –

Sokol Blosser has always strived to be a leader in sustainable practices and is proud to be a Certified B Corporation. For many years, we have evaluated our business success through a holistic approach to managing our bottom line: the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit. Achieving B Corp certification further establishes our commitment through measurable high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. To achieve this certification, we underwent a rigorous evaluation to measure the social and environmental impact of our business. As a Certified B Corporation we are proud to join a community of 1,200 companies from more than 121 industries in 41 countries.

  •  Our devotion to world class quality is paralleled by a desire to achieve it sustainably.
  • We pursue sustainable practices in all phases of our business, as our B Corp Certification supports. This commitment to the earth, people and business will continue as long as the winery is in operation.
  • We farm our estate vineyards organically and received full USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) organic certification in 2005 and are certified through Oregon Department of Agriculture.
  • We use 50% biodiesel in our farm tractors and trucks.
  • We have a 25kW solar panel system and purchase renewable wind power from PGE.
  • We use a no-waste, energy efficient crossflow filter on our white wines.
  • We recycle everything we can, from office paper to pallet shrink wrap.
  • We use unbleached paper products for labels, wine boxes and gift bags whenever possible.
  • We are a member of the Prescott Western Bluebird Recovery Project.
  • Vineyard plantings of lavender, yarrow, rudbeckia, and Russian sage help to provide habitats for beneficial insects and expand our vineyard ecosystem.
  • Our underground barrel cellar, built to US Green Building Council standards, became the first winery building in the country to earn the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

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30 Days of Rosé | #12 | Effusion | Moussé Fils | Champagne Rosé | 2016

30 Days of Rosé | #12 | Effusion | Moussé Fils | Champagne Rosé | 2016 | $47.99

We sift through well over 1,000 wines a year to pluck the best to share with you – it’s hard work!

We have an extensive selection of sparkling Rosé and were not looking at all to add another one, especially if it would retail at over $500 a case.

Moussé Fils whipped our heads around, sent us into a tizzy, and we HAD to have it.

We mulled over dozens  of reasons to not buy it, head, heart, and palate battled – our visceral senses won over our brains because Moussé Fils was too delicious to not bring in.

With only a couple exceptions, we’d rather drink this any other sparking wine we’ve ever had under $150 which is saying a lot considering everything we’ve had over the years.

Skip the big commercial brands, and grab a bottle of Moussé Fils for brunch, special celebration or casual occasion.. or hint hint nudge nudge… the next time you want delight your partner (or treat yourself – we know you deserve it!).

At $47.99, Moussé Fils punches twice above it’s weight class for flavor and pleasure.  To say the least, this one is a stunner.

It’s hard not to be too enthusiastic about this wine. We’ll stop talking and let you explore it.

In case you didn’t notice, we plainly hardcore ♥ Effusion Moussé Fils Champagne Rosé.

 

Moussé Fils | champagnemoussefils.com

You’ll find Champagne Moussé Fils in the heart of the Marne River valley in the village of Cuisles where, since 1923, perfecting the art of growing Meunier and bringing it to the peak of its potential has been the guiding principle of everything we do.

Our vineyards are spread out across 4 different villages yet all of them are on the same hillside; an unusual characteristic that is reflected in all of our champagnes.

Our family has been making champagne for 4 generations now and we’ve been growing vines from as long ago as 1750 so you can understand why we attach so much importance to looking after the environment. We want to ensure that our champagnes reflect all the character and personality of our vineyards and to achieve that we pay the most scrupulous attention to each stage of the wine making to ensure that everything is done as naturally as possible.

Our Principles

  • Use of the natural light
  • No chemical weeding
  • We use plants to protect other plants
  • Horse ploughing
  • Wood diseases treatment with perfusions of essential oils
  • We use the latest light-weight bottles to reduce CO2 emissions
  • Much of our water comes from natural springs
  • When old vines are dug up they are used for household heating
  • The cellars are temperature controlled using a soil-air heat exchanger
  • Protecting the vines and taking care of the environment
  • Each building produces its own hot water from solar panels
  • Chilling of the wine in a natural way
  • Planting seeds following the moon’s cycle
  • Tractor’s decontamination in a specialized washing station
  • Growing grass in the vines in Autumn to improve soil quality
  • Mirror-finished tank to save water
  • Self-sufficient in electricity
  • Eco-conceived storehouse

« We do not inherit the earth from our parents,
we borrow it from our children ». – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

 

Moussé Fils | Champagne Rosé | 2016

  • Cépage:  92% Meunier 8% Pinot Noir
  • Assemblage:  Blend of solera 2003-2014 and 12% red Wine from Meunier
  • Info/Source:  Sourced from vineyards in Cuisles, Jonquery, Châtillon-sur-Marne and Olizy.
  • Vines:  25 years old on average.
  • Malo:  Yes
  • Elevage:  Oak and stainless steel tank
  • Sur Lees:  16 months
  • Region:  Champagne
  • Appellation:  Vallee de la Marne
  • Color:  Rosé
  • Farming Practice:  Practicing Organic

What are the origins of Meunier?

It’s a more rustic variation of its genetic parent Pinot Noir and was called Meunier, without the word Pinot, so as to avoid confusion between the two.

Where does the name Meunier come from?

According to reference books about grape vines it seems that the name comes from the characteristic, soft, white coating on the leaves that makes them look as though they’ve been covered in flour, hence the name Meunier which means Miller in English.

These days Meunier has a good reputation, but that hasn’t always been the case. Why is that?

Meunier was often disparaged when used on its own and for years it was shunned by the big champagne houses. It was only Henri Krug who sang its praises. In the 1970s there was even a premium paid for what were called ‘Noble Grapes’ but it applied only to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Fortunately, for the past few years, Meunier has been regaining its reputation and today it’s considered to be the perfect varietal for blending. You only have to look at the great Meunier champagnes of René Collard to see the truth of this.

Why is Meunier the preferred varietal at Champagne Moussé Fils ?

Our family has been growing Meunier for 12 generations and every generation has believed in its vast potential. I wanted to give Meunier the respect it deserves and to show lovers of fine champagne that Meunier can produce wines of the utmost finesse. Our motto “Deeply Meunier” is the perfect illustration of that ambition and the perfect reflection of our wines: fine, elegant, and fruity.

– Cédric Moussé