If national sales figures for rosé wines are and indication, I’m not the only one looking forward to rosé season. The beautiful color of rosé in the glass makes me think of warmer weather and always makes me feel hopeful. We have a few favorite rosés but we are always open to tasting new ones as well. This rosé and Diora winery are both new to us. We received this wine as a tasting sample.
Diora winery is part of the portfolio of wines owned by Delicato Family Wines that are made in California, Chile and Germany. Australian-born winemaker, James Ewart crafts Diora wines sourced from the family-owned San Bernabe Vineyard along Monterey’s Santa Lucia Mountains near King City. The vineyard itself is quite interesting: 8,100 acres planted to 27 grape varieties.
2020 Diora La Belle Fête Rosé of Pinot Noir, Monterey — ballet slipper pink with generous aromas of ripe raspberries and strawberries, white flowers and stone fruit. Flavors are also generous with ripe mixed berries, peaches, citrus zest and stony minerality. 12% abv. SRP $20
Pinot Noir is harvested from two blocks of the San Bernabe Vineyard for their consistent red fruit flavor profile. Harvest is earlier, rather than later, to maintain good acidity. To add weight and flavor, a bit of Chardonnay (3.2%) and Grenache rosé (7.9%) are blended with the Pinot Noir. Technical notes for the 2020 vintage also list 5.8% other aromatics. The wine is made mostly in stainless steel with a small amount in neutral oak.
The name of the winery, Diora, comes from the French for golden (d’or), in reference to the golden hills of the Santa Lucia Mountain range and La Belle Fête translates to the beautiful party. I don’t know about you, but I’m all in for a beautiful party.
Let’s raise a glass of rosé to warmer weather and better days ahead. Thanks to Delicato Family Wines and Calhoun & Company Communications for the splash of optimism.
Cheers!
