estate rosé evolution
nov 2023
The only pét-nat made from our estate fruit, the rosé holds a special place in our hearts. We are excited to see the evolution of this wine, as the Cab Franc and Malbec vines continue to mature, we are so excited to see the evolution of these grapes.
In 2022, after tasting the results of our first rosé pét-nat from our estate, we decided we had to make this wine again. Since the Cab Franc and Malbec at Stonemarker are still very young (planted in 2017), we are excited to turn the fruit into a rosé to create a vibrant and refreshing wine. The second vintage producing this wine proved to be very successful, especially in terms of yields, as the Malbec and Cab Franc vines continue to mature. The wine did not see any time in oak barrels this year, a departure from last year’s approach.
Compared to 2021, the fruit was harvested much later and arrived in the cellar in late September. Pressed together, we cold settled this wine for 7 days before racking into a stainless steel tank to co-ferment cold in our barrel room. This rosé was fermented in stainless steel and spent roughly 9 months on lees prior to disgorgement. Racked once for clarity prior to bottling, it was bottled on December 8th and hand-disgorged over two days in August of 2023. Unfiltered, unfined, less than 10 ppm of SO2 added at disgorgement.
Cabernet Franc instantly entices you with its smooth tannins and dark fruit flavors. Malbec brings spicy and earthy undertones to balance the red fruit and light effervescence. Aromas of white florals, green strawberries and watermelon, and soil. On the palate, notes of rhubarb, strawberry leaf, kumquat marmalade, and candied rose with well integrated acid and minerality. It is rustic and rich, but intensely bright and refreshing - an deliciously complex and intriguing sparkling rosé. For pairings think french picnic: country style patés, cornichons, and fresh cheeses, or combine with everyone's favorite app, crab rangoon.
wines