2023 Pinot Noir Rosé
With National Rosé Day on June 8, there is no better time to celebrate the wine that defines summer. Light, refreshing, and endlessly versatile, rosé is made for warm weather moments and al fresco gatherings.
Meet Sterling Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé, our newest seasonal favorite. Bursting with fresh fruit and vibrant acidity, this rosé is ready to be your go to bottle all summer long.
Summary
Sterling Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé is a bright, fruit driven wine crafted from Pinot Noir grapes grown in Carneros. With fresh acidity and expressive aromatics, it is designed for immediate enjoyment and warm weather occasions.
Three Things You May Not Know About Rosé
Rosé Can Be Made from Almost Any Grape Variety
While rosé is often associated with Grenache, Syrah, or Pinot Noir, nearly any red grape variety can be used to produce rosé.
Winemakers control style through skin contact:
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Short skin contact creates lighter color and delicate flavors
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Longer skin contact results in deeper color and more intensity
This flexibility allows rosé to showcase a wide range of expressions.
Rosé Can Age Gracefully
Rosé is commonly enjoyed young, but well made examples from quality vineyards can develop additional complexity over time.
That said, Sterling Vineyards Rosé is crafted to be enjoyed in the moment. Sometimes the best pairing is the present.
Rosé Is Made Using Two Main Methods
Rosé is produced using two primary techniques:
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Maceration, where juice briefly rests on the skins
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Saignée, where juice is drawn off during red wine fermentation
Both methods highlight the artistry behind rosé winemaking.
The Wine
2023 Pinot Noir Rosé
The 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé opens with vibrant aromas of freshly picked strawberries and juicy peaches, layered with a hint of citrus zest. Subtle notes of creamy vanilla and delicate jasmine add elegance and depth.
Refreshing acidity and a clean, lingering finish make this rosé ideal for outdoor gatherings, relaxed dinners, and everyday celebrations.
The Vineyard
Fruit for this wine comes from Ranch No. 9 in the Los Carneros AVA at the southern edge of Napa Valley. Cooling winds from San Pablo Bay help preserve acidity, while shallow clay loam soils and a marine influenced climate encourage expressive aromatics and balanced ripeness.
These conditions are especially well suited for producing lush, vibrant rosé wines.
The Winemaking
The Pinot Noir grapes for this rosé are grown specifically with rosé in mind. Harvested early in the season during cool nighttime hours, the fruit is gently pressed as whole berries with brief skin contact to achieve the desired color.
The juice is fermented slowly in stainless steel at cool temperatures, then aged for six months before bottling to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity.
FAQs
What foods pair best with Pinot Noir Rosé?
Pinot Noir Rosé pairs well with salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, and light summer dishes.
Is this rosé meant to be aged?
This wine is crafted for immediate enjoyment, showcasing freshness and vibrant fruit.
What makes Carneros ideal for rosé production?
Cool temperatures, marine influence, and soil composition help retain acidity and enhance aromatic expression.
