January 31st – Today, award-winning California producer Sonoma-Cutrer announces the arrival of the 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir. Like all other wines in its portfolio of sustainable-certified wines, the new rosé showcases their respect for Burgundian traditions, Californian ingenuity and a deep appreciation for Russian River Valley’s remarkable 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 beautiful variety of elegant and balanced fruit. Grape picking was completed September 13th with fruit from Sonoma-Cutrer’s Owsley Estate, which consists of ten unique 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.
Tasting Notes: 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.
Quick Wine Facts:
- ABV: 11.9%
- 100% Pinot Noir
- 100% Whole Cluster Direct to Press
- 100% Tank Fermented
- Appellation: Russian River Valley
- SRP: $25
- Available for purchase nationwide and Sonoma-Cutrer website
About Sonoma-Cutrer:
Sonoma-Cutrer has been crafting wines since 1981 in the esteemed Russian River Valley growing region of Sonoma County, California. Our flagship wine Russian River Ranches was built in the on-premise and for almost 30 years has dominated the Most Popular Chardonnay wine lists. Our winemaking process, led by a female-driven team, is designed specifically to preserve the highest quality grapes, and the wines are aged in barrels made of specific French oak trees that are individually-selected to fit the winemakers’ needs. Sonoma County is the first wine region in the world to be 99% sustainable. As a leader in this initiative, Sonoma-Cutrer prioritizes protecting the environment in all winemaking processes. All Sonoma-Cutrer wines can be purchased at the Sonoma-Cutrer winery as well as through the wine club, Club Cutrer. For more information about our wines, how to purchase or to join Club Cutrer, please visit www.sonomacutrer.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/
