The Hedonistic Taster | № 5| Ellipses Wine Company

The Hedonistic Taster | № 5

by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML

“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer

Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of artisan wines.

The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.

The Hedonistic Taster allows me the opportunity to introduce you to some gorgeous pours through this intimate tasting format.

Santé!

Today’s Tasting:

Rosé of Pinot Meunier | ellipsis wine company | sonoma county

Welcome to Sonoma’s Rosé Revolution! Among Sonoma’s emerging “Drink Pink” pack, boutique winery ellipsis wine company stands apart for its unique rosé crafted from Pinot Meunier, a varietal typically used in champagne.

Part of the Pinot Noir family, Pinot Meunier gets its name from the flour-like (meunier means ‘miller’ in French) dusting of white down on the underside of its leaves. Long a passionate fan of Pinot Meunier for its zesty acids that add personality to champagne blends, as a rosé, it’s simply stunning. You can dress this wine up for a holiday meal, or down home on the porch – it ‘cleans up well’ for any occasion.

To learn more about ellipsis wine company and their wines, you can catch my recent interview with ellipsis wine company founders Jonathan Neisingh and wife Devika Maskey on binNotes | red Thread ™.

ellipsis wine company produces their unique rosé of Pinot Meunier from Sonoma county.

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Wine: Rosé of Pinot Meunier

Varietal(s): 90% Pinot Meunier, 5% Zinfandel, 5% Syrah

Alcohol: 13.1 %

Suggested Retail: $25

Specs:

Pinot Meunier grapes sourced from Christine’s Vineyard, Sonoma Coast AVA, bordering Russian River Valley.

Fruit picked at 24 brix; skin contact for two hours before pressing into a stainless steel tank.

Primary fermentation initiated 80% in the tank, 20% in neutral french barrels. No malolactic fermentation. Entire lot cold stabilized and bottled early February, four months after pick date.

NOTE: In past vintages, the wine maker has used 100% Pinot Meunier fruit, but due to low yields in 2015, this vintage contains 90% Pinot Meunier, 5% Zinfandel, and 5% Syrah.

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Provençal ‘Groseille’ hue – shimmering watermelon with soft salmon highlights.

Nose: Wild strawberry, mimosa, and salmonberry notes.

Palate: Say hello to my refreshing little friend! Snappy acids, light body, succulent finish.

Suggested Pairings: The perfect picnic basket pour! Pack along some smoked salmon, aged white cheddar, marcona olives, an olive medley, and a baguette.