Gran Moraine Rosé of Pinot Noir

Rosé is wonderful for so many reasons. It is a beautiful color in the glass and can be light and refreshing or carry more flavors and complexity. It’s as variable as the grape varieties used to make it and the best examples have ample acidity. Rosé pairs well with a variety of food, depending on its style, and I rarely encounter one I don’t enjoy sipping on its own.

We drink rosé year round, but this is the time of year when the new vintages are being released offering us a first taste of the vintage that red wines cannot yet offer. It is always an exciting time of year for us.

We recently had the opportunity to taste a rosé of Pinot Noir (one of my favorite varieties) made in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA (American Viticultural Area) a sub-AVA of the larger Willamette Valley AVA. It has been a few years since we’ve visited the Willamette Valley, but we have many fond memories of tasting Pinot Noir throughout the region. I was reminded of those delicious tastings (and the charm of downtown Carlton) recently when we received a tasting sample of 2017 Gran Moraine Rosé of Pinot Noir. The rosé was part of a beautiful gift box that was a collaboration between Gran Moraine and Olive and Poppy. More about that later. I had high hopes for this rosé and it did not disappoint.

2017 Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Rosé of Pinot Noir — ballet slipper pink in the glass with generous aromas of roses and ripe blackberries and raspberries. Ripe berry flavors combine with a bit of earthy bramble and citrus zest. Ample acidity makes for a light and bright flavor profile. 12.5% abv. 820 cases produced. 1.5L SRP $70. 750ml $28.

This rosé is a delicate color in the glass and is my favorite color of rosé. The aromas are very generous and the acidity is noteworthy making this rosé easy to sip and a delicious pairing with food.

It is made from 100% Pinot Noir – a combination of clones 828, 777 and 114. These clones were selected for their acidity, bright fruit flavors and skins that extract little color. This rosé is “purposely crafted” from whole-cluster pressed Pinot Noir.

We paired the 2017 Gran Moraine Rosé of Pinot Noir with an oven-roasted chicken, potato salad and steamed zucchini – our version of a picnic. It was a delicious pairing.

Our picnic theme was inspired by the gift box that, in addition to the Gran Moraine Rosé, included a ‘Rosé the day away’ Zipper Pouch and Ombré Picnic Throw provided by the ladies at Olive and Poppy. Both items are beautiful and so well made. How could we not enjoy an outdoor meal?

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh-SG-0BjQ-/?taken-by=mspullthatcork

In celebration of rosé season Anne and Nicole included a 20% discount code, DRINKPINK, to use on their site OliveandPoppy.com (one use per customer, until June 1st). Their website includes a collection of gifts for wine lovers, of course. We do not receive compensation if you use the discount code.

If you’re planning a backyard party for a group, consider the magnum of Gran Moraine Rosé of Pinot Noir. It’s not often you see a rosé in a 1.5L bottle. It’s an impressive sight and won’t disappoint in the glass. In case you need another reason to celebrate with Gran Moraine Rosé of Pinot Noir — May is Oregon Wine Month. You’re welcome.

Cheers!