2016 Del Rio Vineyards Grenache Rosé, Oregon $17

Oregon is often synonymous with Pinot Noir when it comes to wine and given the popularity of the wines produced in the Willamette Valley, it is certainly understanding. However, much further south, towards California’s northern border lies a hot spot of wine diversity in Oregon. The Rogue Valley makes a variety of wines, and rarely Pinot Noir. It is a much warmer climate and as such has lent itself to success with Cabernet, Zinfandel, Malbec and Syrah. One of the region’s signature wineries is doing well with Tannat as well.  Grenache is a difficult grape to ripen in much of the world, but it does well in the Rogue Valley, both as a red wine, as well as a rosé.

Del Rio estate vineyards lies at the northern end of the Rogue Valley, with south facing slopes. Their elevation and the region’s volcanic soils make for some outstanding wines, ripe with great acidity. This rosé is a testament to that. Produced like the great rosés of Provence this pale pink wine spent 48 hours in contact with the Grenache skins. Aromas of cut strawberry and rhubarb segues into a palate of citrus flavors and minerality finished with a great zippy acidity.