|
Carrying enough complexity to please the most discerning red wine drinkers, this dry Rosé is made in the Provençal style. In the past, this wine was available exclusively to wine club members but increased demand prompted us to make more in 2009.
In the Vineyard
Located on a mountainside high above Dry Creek Valley, the rocky soils of Montemaggiore's estate vineyards produce intensely flavored grapes at naturally low yields. Using biodynamic practices and organic materials, we farm Paolo's Vineyard without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
The 2009 Vintage
The 2009 growing season was almost picture perfect with a dry, mild spring and a warm but not hot summer. The harvest season generally started on time, but half-way through meteorologists predicted a huge rainstorm. The latest-ripening vineyard of 877 clone Syrah really needed another week of sunshine to make a full-bodied red wine. Instead, the grapes were picked early specifically to make Rosé—just one day before five inches of rain fell.
In the Winery
Select Syrah bunches were hand-harvested in mid-October and brought less than 100 yards to our estate winery. There they were destemmed, carefully hand-sorted at the berry level, crushed, and held for 36 hours on their skins to obtain the vibrant ruby color. After pressing, the juice was inoculated with yeast from Bandol (Provence, France) to emphasize mouthfeel. The six-week alcoholic fermentation took place in neutral oak barrels at 60°F. The wine aged for an additional four months in French oak barrels. Filtered.
On your Palate
The vibrant and intense ruby color of the 2009 Rosé divulges its gorgeous raspberry and strawberry flavors tempered by tangy acidity. Made in the classic dry style of a Provençal Rosé, this wine's sweetness comes from its fruit flavors as opposed to any residual sugar. Medium-bodied and round on the palate, the Montemaggiore Rosé carries enough weight and complexity to please the most discerning aficionados.
Endlessly versatile and classically refreshing, this sophisticated wine is an excellent match for a summertime al fresco meal. Pairs well with barbequed shrimp, gazpacho, pasta al pesto, a simple baguette with proscuitto, tuna tartare, sautéed scallops, roast turkey, and avocado soup. Serve slightly chilled.
Technical Information
 |
| Varietal Blend |
100% Syrah
|
|
| Avg Sugar at Harvest |
23.1° Brix |
|
| Alcohol |
14.0% |
|
| Cases Produced |
75 |
|
| Optimum consumption |
2010-2011 |
|
|
 |
|
| Cooperage |
100% French |
|
| Percentage new oak |
0% |
|
| Harvest Date |
October 12, 2009 |
|
| Bottling Date |
March 2010 |
|
| Release Date |
May 2010 |
|
|
© Copyright 2004-2013 Montemaggiore, Inc. All rights reserved.
| | |
Download / Print