Arnot-Roberts Rose 2021

VINTAGE : 2021

COUNTRY : USA

REGION/APPELLATION : California, Sonoma, North Coast

VARIETALS : Touriga Nacional, Gamay

Rosé comes from two incredible sites: Luchsinger and St. Amant Vineyards. We began making our Rosé of Touriga Nacional in 2010, sourcing fruit from the Luchsinger vineyard located at 1400′ in the Clear Lake AVA. This rocky, volcanic site enjoys a warm growing season suitable to Touriga Nacional. Touriga is a late-ripening grape that needs some heat to mature and the Luchsinger site is a perfect match for this hearty variety. Beginning in 2015 we were fortunate to be introduced to another fantastic Touriga Nacional vineyard, St. Amant in Amador County of the Sierra Foothills. This vineyard, farmed by the Spencer family since 1972, is composed of sandy granitic loam, and benefits from cool air descending the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains which helps moderate ripening. The grapes have a vibrant personality with fine tannins and bright acidity. The fruit from both of these vineyard sites is crushed lightly prior to pressing to release some color, then fermented with native yeasts and aged in stainless steel. The resulting wines are blended together to harmonize for 4 months prior to bottling in early January.