Pinot Noir Rose
Divergence-Brandmark

Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

CRISPINO VINEYARD

This single vineyard expression of Pinot Noir Rosé highlights the potential for this grape and style in Niagara. Hand harvested grapes, whole cluster pressing, and early bottling were all chosen to preserve the purity of the fruit and style. Barrel fermentation of a portion of the wine adds volume and texture, but selection of only older neutral barrels ensures no unwanted impact from the oak is present in the wine. Crisp, fruity, floral, and savoury, the wine is equal parts serious and lighthearted and is suitable for any occasion.

Divergence-Brandmark

Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

CRISPINO VINEYARD

This single vineyard expression of Pinot Noir Rosé highlights the potential for this grape and style in Niagara. Hand harvested grapes, whole cluster pressing, and early bottling were all chosen to preserve the purity of the fruit and style. Barrel fermentation of a portion of the wine adds volume and texture, but selection of only older neutral barrels ensures no unwanted impact from the oak is present in the wine. Crisp, fruity, floral, and savoury, the wine is equal parts serious and lighthearted and is suitable for any occasion.

SENSORY PROFILE

Pale salmon colour with classic Pinot Rosé aromas of strawberry, cherry blossoms and subtle pear and pineapple. The palate repeats the same, with mango, lemongrass, and a savoury finish reinforced by the acid driven structure.

FOOD PAIRINGS

This wine will accompany a variety of lighter foods, such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, salade niçoise, and cold meat sandwiches. Also enjoy on its own chilled well for a hot summer day, and at more moderate temperatures while staying warm in the cooler months.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Rosé is always great fresh, but wines from Pinot Noir can age nicely for a few years. Showing best Summer-Fall 2022, but enjoy from release through end of 2024 and beyond.

VINTAGE

The 2021 vintage started with relatively good vine and bud health from a small crop and mild winter. Summer temperatures were among the hottest on record and conditions were optimal for flowering and fruit set. In August, what appeared to be an early and ripe vintage stalled due to drought. This was followed by record rains in September and October resulting in a rapid increase in cluster weight and dilution of berry contents. Where harvest was able to be delayed until adequate ripening, most varieties are showing good fruit character early with delicate aromatic white varieties and fruit driven red varieties.

WINE DATA 

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.6%
Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.01
Bottling Date: 2022-03-17
Production: 100 cases

VINEYARD AND HARVEST DATA

Appellation: Vinemount Ridge
Site: Crispino Vineyard
Soil: Chinguacousy clay loam
Clones: unknown
Rootstock: unknown
Vine Age: 2015 planting
Harvest Date: 2021-09-17
Yield: 2.2 T/ac

VINIFICATION

Following hand harvest, the grapes were sorted and then whole cluster pressed, and the juice settled at cold temperatures. Juice was racked to three older neutral barrels with the remainder kept in a stainless steel tank, and the four components fermented separately using selected yeast strains. The wine was then racked and combined before being returned to the barrels to age on fine lees for four months. The wine was then gently fined and clarified using only bentonite (no allergens/non-vegan fining agents were used), followed by filtration prior to bottling.

REVIEWS

“Pale and delicate rose of the times, no doubt. Crunchy acids, the slightest candy edge and a clear thorniness are primed in this quaffer. The wine is dry, tight, grippy and an all around standout.” 91 points – Brent Muller, National Wine Awards of Canada 2022 Judge

“An impressive nose of wild raspberries, strawberries, grapefruit zest, black cherries and just a hint of fresh summer herbs. It has lovely texture on the palate with integrated red berries, pomegranate, savoury/earthy notes, good length, and finesse on the finish and just a pinch of spice. A wonderful, perfectly dry and refreshing rosé.” 92 points – Rick Vansickle, Wines in Niagara

“Thanks to the combination of high-quality grapes and some winemaking magic, this rosé is loaded with complexity. It has aromas of red cherry, cranberry, and strawberry like you’d expect from rosé, but there’s also layers of citrus (grapefruit, lemon, etc.), toast, and an underlying earthiness that gives it great varietal typicity. The palate is bone dry and has more body than your average rosé. That being said, it still presents as extremely fresh thanks to a vibrant acidity that brings out more of the wine’s fruitiness and gives it a balanced structure.” Jacob Gigliotti, IG: @thewine_wiz

“Light lemon seed, pink grapefruit rind and watermelon juice – it has a simplicity that is totally enjoyable.” Score: Better (2022 Rosé Report) – Michael Pinkus