This month we bring you a locally produced, beautiful rosé from a winemaker you may recognize from his appearance on a certain match-making TV show, as well as the first 2018 Provence rosé to arrive, from a Chateau that has been around since the 17th century, and has been in the family since 1840! So far 2018 appears to be an excellent year for imported and domestic rosés, and I look forward to introducing you to many more over the next few months.
Cheers!
Carrie Upson
General Manager
2018 Ion Rosé
Region / Country of Origin: Lodi and Mendocino County, CA
Winemaker: Benjamin Flajnik
Price per bottle / Price per case: $16.00 per btl/$172.80 per case
Suggested Food Pairing: Ben started ion because rosé wine is fun, light, and in his opinion “should always be consumed with oysters and/or caviar”
About the Winemaker: The former “Bachelor” star is obsessed with all things wine and started making wine professionally in 2007 under the guidance of some great mentors, Joe Benziger & Rodrigo Soto. Ten years later he turned his focus from Pinot Noir to rosé of Pinot Noir and has never been so happy! ion wines are crafted with a bit more muscle than most rosés and can be enjoyed now or are capable of aging a few years. Yep, we said it...you can age rosé!
About the Winemaking: The vineyard sites, located in Lodi and Mendocino Counties, are sustainably farmed. “Slow and low” is the philosophy at ion wines. The fruit was harvested at 24 brix to ensure high acid and lower alcohol. Using 100% stainless steel, our fermentation goals were a brix a day at very cold temperatures to keep the brightness and freshness of the grape. The wine rested on its lees for 4 months to help gain additional character.
The 2018 vintage varietal: Pinot Noir 48.28%, Zinfandel 31.31%, Cinsault 14.11%, Grenache 6.30%.
Tasting Notes: On the nose it’s tropical, floral and inviting. But, notes of guava, lemon zest and lychee on the mid palate steal the show. It’s dry, muscular and the rich mineral driven acidity lends a crispness to the finish.
2018 Pampelonne Rosé
Region / Country of Origin: Cotes de Provence, France
Winemaker: Marie Pascaud
Price per bottle / Price per case: $23.00 per btl/$248.40 per case
Suggested Food Pairing: fish tartar/ceviche, halibut, grilled sea bass, sautéed vegetables
About the Winemaker: The magnificent 17th century Château de Pampelonne borders the famous French Riviera beach of the same name in the commune of Ramatuelle, near Saint Tropez. The estate has been in the Gasquet- Pascaud family since 1840, when it was purchased by Gasquet ancestor André Folco, treasurer for Napoléon III. The current proprietor of this beautiful 400 acre domaine is Edgar Pascaud, and his daughter Marie who directs Pampelonne’s winemaking.
About the Winemaking: Made using free-run juice and a short maceration for delicate color. In addition to the classic rosé grapes of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, Pampelonne also uses Tibouren in the blend. This ancient Greek variety, now unique to this area of France, is valued for the aromatic intensity it lends to some of Provence’s finest rosés.
Tasting Notes: A supple, elegant rosé, with a complex, sharp bouquet and a powerful, fruity palate.
