One of the hottest trends in the world of winemaking is Rosé. It's a versatile wine that allows a winemaker to use creativity in crafting a wide-range of styles. Today I am tasting/reviewing two Rosé wines from Zugibe Vineyards along Seneca Lake.
View Rosé tasting video:
Basic Rose Notes
Most Rosé wines are made from limited skin contact (maceration). The winemaker will keep the skins and juice in contact for roughly 2-20 hours (until the desired color is achieved). The juice is then filtered, and fermentation is complete just like a white wine.
Color can vary from a light pink to a more purple-ish hue dependent on grape varieties and techniques. Rosé can be made into a sparkling, semi-sparkling or still wine. Sweetness levels vary from dry (modeled after the Provence region in France) to sweeter White Zinfandels. Serving temperature should be around 45 degrees, a smaller bowl glass is preferred and a corked bottle should last just about 5 days in the refrigerator.
Zugibe Rosé Tasting Notes
Wine #1 - 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, .01% R.S. & 12% alcohol, estate produced and bottled - $19.99 per bottle from tasting room.
What dominates this wine on the nose is the fresh aromatic melon and lemon zest. I get fresh strawberry, along with some nice florals. The palate brings along crisp acidity, with a touch of minerality that combines to create a refreshing finish. The wine is a light Salmon color, with medium plus acidity and medium alcohol.
My impression? It's a very nice everyday drinking wine. Great for a nice warm summer day! Would love to pair this with fresh green herbs, goat cheese, a nice Watermelon Salad, Crab or Grilled Fish are a few that come to mind.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wine #2 - 2019 Dry Rosé
Made from a blend Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, .04% R.S. & 12% alcohol, estate produced and bottled - $16.99 per bottle from tasting room.
The nose of this wine is a bit more subdued (not as playful as the Pinot Noir) where cherry, melon and apple come through. On the palate there's a bit more body with a touch of spiciness (expected from the Cabernet Franc influence). The finish lingers a bit more, which I prefer. Some blood orange comes through on the palate as well. Color is just a bit darker hue of salmon, with medium plus acidity and medium alcohol.
Which wine do I prefer? I tend to prefer a more complex wine, that offers a nice lingering finish and body. It checked of all the boxes. While both wines are presented very nicely, based on my personal preferences the 2019 Dry Rosé is my choice!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Take a drive out to Geneva (Seneca Lake wine region) and visit Zugibe Vineyards! Say hello to Ashley and staff. You will enjoy the experience! Until next time cheers.
