Sonoma-Cutrer has announced the arrival of the 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir. The new rosé showcases the wine brand’s respect for Burgundian traditions, Californian ingenuity, and a deep appreciation for the Russian River Valley’s terroir.
“This new vintage of our Rosé of pinot noir is a beautiful example of why Russian River Valley pinot noir makes a wonderful rosé,” says Sonoma-Cutrer pinot noir Winemaker Zidanelia Arcidiacono.
As with prior rosé vintages, fruit was specifically grown and harvested to craft this wine. Harvest began on August 24th at Vine Hill Ranch, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, where more than a 300-ft. of elevation change allows each ridge, slope, and valley in the vineyard to contribute unique characteristics to the grapes. Combined with a variety of soils, clones and rootstocks that limit excessive vine growth, the vineyard provides a variety of elegant and balanced fruit. Grape picking was completed September 13th with fruit from Sonoma-Cutrer’s Owsley Estate, which consists of ten vineyard blocks of pinot noir. Known for its dramatic temperature changes from warm days to cool, foggy nights, the vines yield concentrated and complex flavored grapes.
“Despite a historic drought across California, Sonoma County experienced a favorable spring and summer season with no weather extremes, and the first half of August brough cooler temperatures,” said Mick Schroeter, Sonoma-Cutrer Head Winemaking Director. “We benefited from perfect ripening weather throughout the entire harvest which shows in the quality of this rosé.”
Clusters were destemmed and crushed leaving the juice in direct contact with the skins for a short period of time; immediately after grapes were gently pressed. Each batch of rosé was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to protect the delicate aromas and flavors. After fermentation, the rosé batches were blended together.
The light salmon color of the wine catches the light in the glass and opens up with aromas of tangerine, pink grapefruit, strawberry, raspberry and a light hint of rose petal. A crisp, refreshing mouthfeel accentuates the fresh fruit flavors of citrus, red berry fruit with a tropical twist that leads to a long, juicy and tangy finish.
Bottled at 11.9% ABV, the Sonoma-Cutrer 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir is made from 100% pinot noir and is priced at $25. It can be purchased nationwide and at Sonoma-Cutrer’s official website.
Last year, the winery celebrated its four decades of operation with the release of its 40th Anniversary Chardonnay.