February is a transitional time in the wine world. There is a bit of a lull in new releases, as last year’s vintages are sold out and this year’s wines are still fermenting and not ready for bottling. Most new rosés are released in the Spring, but we already received our first 2021 rosé last week. Some people believe that rosés cannot age and you should only drink the newest vintage, but the reality is that most rosés will be perfectly tasty for around 2-3 years. We’ve chosen to feature one wine from 2020 and one from 2021; let us know if YOU can tell which one is new and which one is old!
Our 2020 wine is Roca Altxerri Txakoli Rosé. Before the 2000’s, Txakolina was almost unheard of outside Spanish Basque Country, where it has been this region’s daily drinker at almost every dinner table. Even in the rest of Spain, it was hard to find. Now, people all over the world have a passing awareness of this often mildly effervescent wine, even if they don’t know how to pronounce it (chock-oh-LEE-nah). Sometimes called Txakoli, this super-refreshing, low alcohol, high acid wine has found a wider audience.
Our 2021 Rosé is from Maison Noir; which is a two-fold lifestyle project producing both a T-Shirt line and Oregon wines. Founded by sommelier André Hueston Mack in 2007, both ends of Maison Noir incorporate a trademark attitude and personal perspective on wine subculture. The wines are unique and distinctive garage wines, initially created for some of the New York's best restaurants (for whom Mack was a sommelier) and are now available nationwide.
Think Pink,
Carrie Upson
General Manager
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2020 Roca Altxerri Txakoli Rosé |
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Region/Country of Origin: Getariako Txakolina, Spain |
About the Winery: Roca Altxerri is named for the Altxerri Cave, located in the Basque country, which is home to the oldest stone paintings in Europe, dating back almost 40,000 years. After searching long and hard, they partnered with Mikel Errasti at his family winery, Bodegas Zudugarai, as the perfect collaborator. Their sustainably grown vineyards are planted on seaside hills facing the sun to keep the vines dry. They use organic and biodynamic farming methods. About the Winemaking: Grapes are sourced from 25-40 year old vines from two hectares of estate vineyards located on hilly slopes and are harvested by hand. Vinification and elevage are done strictly in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Tasting Notes: The gentle fizz (as is traditional for Txakoli) is just one of the many charming elements to Roca Altxerri. Bone dry with angular but balanced acidity with a plethora of fruit notes including raspberries, strawberries and watermelon with an injection of lime zest. Break out the porrón! 100% Hondurrabi Beltza |
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Winemaker: Mikel Errasti |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $19 btl / $205.20 case |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Traditional Basque Dishes -Ajoarriero -Kokotxas -Porrusalda |
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2021 Maison Noir Love Drunk Rosé |
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Region/Country of Origin: Willamette, OR |
About the Winemaker: Despite having a successful career with Citicorp Investment Services, André Hueston Mack decided to leave his “desk job” to pursue his passion for wine. While working as a sommelier, Mack discovered the joys of introducing guests to the little known vineyards that first attracted him to the business and “the instant gratification of a guest’s reaction.” He had an opportunity to work as a sommelier at Thomas Keller’s world-renowned The French Laundry in Yountville, California, then went on to accept the position of Head Sommelier at Keller’s equally famed Per Se in New York City. Winemaking has always been a dream of his and came to fruition when he set up shop under the moniker of Maison Noir Wines making “serious wines that don’t take themselves too seriously”. About the Winemaking: Maison Noir is considered a micronegociant (“Garage d’Or”) with a stable lineup of vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Washington along with the ability to nimbly acquire premium fruit. The rosé is 100% made from all Willamette Valley fruit, coming from some of the oldest and best plantings, consistently producing fruit of outstanding quality. It is a Chardonnay base with Pinot Noir added for color; stainless fermentation. Tasting Notes: The 2021 Love Drunk is an intoxicating rosé. Much like new love, it clouds the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise, and lips to pucker. Provocative aromas of strawberry and raspberry, followed by refreshing flavors of wild strawberry, watermelon rind, and a hint of kiwi. |
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Winemaker: Andre Hueston Mack |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $21 btl/ $226.80 case |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Melon and prosciutto Dungeness Crab salad Baked Salmon |
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