What: Roederer Estate Brut Rosé, $28
Why: A gorgeous salmon pink hue greets you, bursting with robust, tiny bubbles. Aromas of dried roses, citrus, late summer strawberry, peach, and cherry translate to the tongue. Fresh almond and minerality intertwining with yeasty, honeyed notes are ushered out with a bright, clean finish. Elegant, balanced, crisp yet supple.
Where: In the crux of Mendocino’s lush, blooming Anderson Valley, nestled just in from the rugged coast, 125 miles north of San Francisco.
Who: The family of the legendary house of Roederer, Champagne Louis Roederer, (think Cristal) searched California for years looking for the ideal growing situation to set up a U.S. operation. In 1982 they settled in on 580 pristine acres to develop their vineyards and winery, in awe of its ideal climate and soil. Now onto the sixth generation, they continue the 200-plus years of tradition.
How: The Roederer’s winemaking approach is based on two key elements: complete ownership of all its vineyards, and the addition of French oak-aged reserve wines from their cellars to each cuvée. The brut rosé is 60 percent Pinot Noir, 40 percent Chardonnay, all estate grown, put through two fermentations, and aged a minimum of two years on the yeast.
When: Spring has sprung — ’tis the time for babies, blooms, and brut rosé! Take a spring weekend and pay their rustic estate a visit.
Roederer Estate: 4501 Highway 128, Philo; tasting room open daily 11 a.m.–5 p.m., tours by appointment; 707-895-2288, www.roedererestate.com
