What is Rosé?

Introduction:

Many of us know of it as summer water! But Rosé isn’t just for summer; it is perfect all year long! The drink pink movement is here to stay and here at Duckhorn Portfolio we craft an array of Rosé Wines using different varieties which results in a range of delicious wines. Let’s dive into the concept of what is Rosé Wine and why we should all be drinking it!

Winemaking Methods:

• Maceration method:
  This is when the red wine fruit in sitting in contact with the skins, seeds and stems to extract color and flavor in the juice. This is highly popular in locations like Provence, France. Provence is a highly regarded wine region that produces a benchmark style and in fact 88% of Provence wine production is dedicated to Rosé.
• Saignee or “bled” method :
  This method is when only some of the juice is “bled off” and placed into a new vat during the first couple hours of making red wine. The purpose of this is to concentrate the red wines’ intensity. This is common in the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley because of the specialization of producing fine red wines there.
• Blending method:
  This method requires simply blending red and white wines together to create pink Rosé. This is incredibly uncommon in still Rosé wines production.

Flavor Profiles:

Rosé is fun in that it ranges in style and flavor profiles depending on the grapes used and the winemaking method. Our Rosé Wines are crafted in either the maceration method or the Saignee Method aiming for a bright, crisp and refreshing expression of Rosé.

Check out each of our Rosé wines tasting notes to get an idea of their flavor profiles:

1. Goldeneye Anderson Valley Vin Gris of Pinot Noir:
   This Vin Gris is crafted with 100% Pinot Noir. It is fun and ebullient with its candied strawberry, pink grapefruit zest, guava, and bubble gum flavors. A light salmon hue also joins this array of fruit.
2. Calera Central Coast Vin Gris of Pinot Noir:
   Cranberry and wild strawberry mingle with grapefruit and kumquat as the juice sits on 100% Pinot Noir to extract these gorgeous flavors. A juicy finish of smooth mango and marmalade round out the palate.
3. Migration Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir:
   This wine captures the Sonoma Coast in a glass! Hints of jasmine, candied orange peel, white peach, and strawberry create the perfect sipper for a hot summer afternoon. This wine is also 100% Pinot Noir.
4. Decoy California Rosé:
   This wine presents bright fruity flavors like pink grapefruit and strawberries. Tropical fruits like honeydew melon and guava liven up this Rosé. And subtle notes of minerals and spice bring this to a crisp finish. Our Decoy Rosé is a blend of Syrah, Vermentino, Carignan and Grenache.
5. Paraduxx Napa Valley Rosé:
   Our Paraduxx Napa Valley Rosé is inspired by Provance, France and is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. This wine opens with enticing citrus notes of orange and lemon zest along with strawberry and apples flavors. Dynamic and dry, there is a lovely acidity making this a refreshingly crisp and elegant wine.
6. Canvasback Walla Walla Valley Rosé:
   This Rosé is 100% Syrah from the high-elevation site of Resurgent Vineyard, along south fork of the Walla Walla River. On the nose, hints of peach, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and elderflower burst from the glass. And on the palate, a silky acidity reveals red fruit flavors as well as grapefruit, apricot and wet stones. This wine will awaken your palate and it perfect for a peaceful weekend in the backyard!

Join us in uncorking a splash of summer water all year long! And let us know which your favorite Rosé Wine is.

Our Favorite Soup and Wine Pairings

Soup and Wine is a perfect combo for cold winter days! The hearty ingredients in a soup, even down to the herbs and spices, can make for a delicious winter wine pairing. For us food and wine pairings are really an exploration of your personal palate and preferences. In this post below, we are highlighting our favorites soup and wine pairings featuring wines from across our portfolio.

When we think of winter soup, the ever-classic Minestrone Soup is the first to come to mind. And our go-to pairing is Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are instantly warming and comforting which is why they work so well together. Black pepper and licorice flavors from the wine bring a sense of spice to this bean and pasta-filled soup. Open a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and enjoy a classic winter pairing.

Clam Chowder is always one of our favorites for the winter season! This soup really captures a taste of the coast. The salinity of the clams and the richness from the butter and cream is balanced perfectly with a glass of the bright acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc. For Clam Chowder, we are reaching for our Decoy Sauvignon Blanc which features crisp acidity and notes of citrus, guava and stonefruit which cut right through the creaminess of Clam Chowder.

Earthy, funky and oh so delicious, Cream of Mushroom Soup is a comforting choice. In terms of pairing, Pinot Noir brings a great acidity and lovely fruit aroma to the table. Our personal choice for pairing Mushroom Soup and Pinot Noir is our Goldeneye Anderson Valley Ten Degrees Pinot Noir. Blended from our estate vineyards with the depth and diversity of Anderson Valley, Ten Degrees has layers of blueberry and blackberry, as well as notes of redwood forest, earth, and spice.

Potato Leek Soup is a smooth and velvety bowl of goodness. Our go-to pairing is our Migration Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, hints of apple, stonefruit and citrus mingle with subtle notes of sweet vanilla which bring a refreshing element to this savory-filled meal. A little sweet and savory can never go wrong!

We hope you are enjoying soup and wine season just as much as we are. Tag us on Instagram to share your favorite pairings with us!

Meet our Team: Their Journey in the World of Wine

Neil Bernardi
GM of Kosta Browne & Canvasback

“There are so many wines in our portfolio that are pushing boundaries and exploring new concepts or regions, it is really hard to say which wine in our portfolio is most compelling intellectually. Kosta Browne Sparkling, Calera Chenin, and new Washington AVAs that Canvasback is exploring come to mind.”

Neil grew up in San Rafael but moved to Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma when he started working in the wine industry. He went to Davis to follow in his sister’s footsteps, but quickly realized his interest in viticulture and enology. He did his first vintage at Gundlach-Bundschu at the age of 19 and his favorite part of his job is seeing success in whatever form it may come in, whether that’s a new project or the evolution of a new wine. “The toughest part is watching all the interns have fun during harvest while I’m at a computer!”

If he had to choose, Neil’s favorite wines in the portfolio are the Howell Mountain Red Wines and Cabernet Sauvignons from Duckhorn. “The texture, the intensity, the power – that wine is insane.” One of the most interesting parts of the world of wine is “the fact that something is created and enjoyed; it’s something so tangible to be able to point to and say, “we made that’.”

Regina Sanz
Senior Estate Director of Kosta Browne

“The moment when I really knew I wanted to be in the wine industry was toward the tail end of my career as a competitive snowboarder - I was traveling in South America in Argentina in a wine region called Mendoza. It was such a beautiful place and the genuine people and culture they shared around Food and Wine was super captivating.”

Regina was born in Texas but moved to Northern California at a young age. “My Dad’s family is from Spain so wine was always part of the culture in our household growing up.” As a restaurant industry veteran, Sommelier and former competitive snowboarder, Regina has been able to live and travel in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and England! Towards the end of her snowboarding career, she quickly realized that her next profession would be in the world of wine. “The beauty of wine is that there is always something new to learn and a new story to tell. Our industry is full of incredibly creative and passionate people, with various backgrounds and usually really cool backstories. It can take an entire lifetime to get to know all of the various nuances of wines from around the world, and I find that journey inspiring.”

She started in the wine business in 2008 in Lake Tahoe where she worked for a wholesaler, selling to high-end restaurants. From there, she went to Sonoma State to get the Wine Business MBA program and has been working for suppliers ever since. Although she loves all of Duckhorn Portfolio’s wines, her favorite is the 2016 Kosta Browne Cerise Vineyard Chardonnay. “It’s not what most people think of when they think of a typical California Chardonnay… It’s a wine that makes you think outside of the box and pushes the envelope on the great things that we can accomplish. I guess in many ways I can relate to that sentiment.”

Stephanie DiStefano
Director of Events

“Working with Master Sommelier Greg Tresner at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona was inspiring and led me to take my first Somm course to learn more about wine.” Fast forward to 2015, and “a six-month road trip through the Pacific Northwest and Canada (including Napa and Sonoma Counties) reinvigorated my love of wine. The Paraduxx Atlas Peak Blend is my absolute favorite! It blends Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon - it is perfect wine to pair with food.”

Stephanie was born in San Diego but has spent half of her life in Arizona. She became interested in wine first when she worked at a high-end restaurant in Arizona. She finally decided to enter the wine industry after she traveled the Pacific North West and Canada and made stops in Napa and Sonoma Counties. In the world of events we really want to focus on the enhancing and elevating the experience: luxury wine, exclusive access, and an unparalleled atmosphere. Stephanie truly loves the complexity of the wine industry, there is always more to learn, more to taste and that pursuit of wine knowledge is incredibly intriguing and gratifying.

Kay Malaske
Trade Relations & Education Manager

“I am a liberal arts nerd! The wine industry is a comfortable home for dreamy somewhat impractical folks like me that love art, food, music, literature, history, geography, science. Wine touches on all these areas and it engages all my senses.”

Kay is originally from a small town in northeastern Oklahoma, Pawhuska, which has a population of 3,500. Her love for the world of wine was ignited when she had the experiences of working in wine-centered restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, and Oklahoma. She was once a waiter at the Metro Wine Bar and Bistro in Oklahoma and one night, there was a dinner that hosted Nancy Andrus (future wife of Dan Duckhorn). About 20 years later, she returned to that same restaurant and was a vintner herself just like Nancy! Her favorite parts of the job are the guests she meets and living in wine country. If Kay could teach us all one thing, she would choose to share that knowledge is power. Be confident in what you know and be hungry for more information!

Cory Johnston
Membership Advisor Manager

“Practice blind tasting at home. It is amazing how taking the label out of the equation forces you to focus in on all of your senses. It helps you develop a more refined palate, sense of smell, and also highlights the artistry in winemaking.”

Cory is originally from a small town in Southern California, located in the high dessert. He moved to San Luis Obispo for schooling which is where he was first introduced to the world of wine. After a decade on the coast Cory moved to the Napa Valley where he took a role as a catering Chef, “ I learned about the components of wine and how to find balance in creating dishes that enhance both the wine and the foods flavors.”

Cory joined the Duckhorn Portfolio team in 2017 as our Membership Wine Advisor and loves sharing a taste of wine country to wine lovers everywhere. “Personally, I love connecting with people and hearing about their experiences with wine; what they like and don’t like as well as who they are sharing it with.” Wine really has a unique way of brining people together. “I have met people from all over the world and made some lifelong friends because of wine.” His favorite wine from the Duckhorn Portfolio is the Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir from the Confluence Vineyard, calling it “exciting and versatile with a heartwarming soul.”

Kate Mayhorn
Wine Specialist at Calera

“For many years and trips, I would go up to the wine country in Napa and Mendocino, tasting many different varietals along the way. On one trip I remember, overlooking Napa Valley from a hot air balloon I knew someday it would be part of my life.”

Kate is originally from New Jersey but has lived in California most of her life. Her love for the wine industry was ignited during one of her first dates with her husband of 40 years while tasting in wine country. For years, Kate owned and managed her own deli and catering business, and “I decided to merge my passion for food with wine and took a part time job at Calera. It was absolutely the best decision for me. I was able to integrate the two things I loved and was never happier.”

“I always knew wine would be a part of my life.” Kate is fascinated by different wines from all over the world and loves brainstorming unique wine and food pairings to try. As a Wine Specialist, one of “my favorite parts would be the reaction of guests, seeing their amazement and even surprise tasting the Calera Wines. I love talking about the nuance of wines, their expressions, and the connection wine has to enhance the enjoyment of food and almost any experience."

She cannot pick just one favorite wine, but she can narrow it down to two! Kate loves the Calera Mt. Harlan Reed Pinot Noir for its “elegance and terroir-driven style” and the Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Our Favorite Summer Snacks & Wine Pairings

Rosé with Watermelon and Feta Salad

Watermelon is the quintessential summer food! It is crisp, refreshing, and delicious on a hot summer day. We are elevating this summer favorite with fresh mint and feta for a summer salad to pair with a chilled Rosé wine all day long. The watermelon brings out the sweet candy notes from the Rosé. Get the Recipe!
 
Try these pairings:
- Goldeneye Anderson Valley Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
- Paraduxx Napa Valley Rosé
- Decoy California Rosé

 

Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese and Artichoke Dip

Sauvignon Blanc white wine pairs nicely with goat cheese and artichokes so why not splurge on both dishes. Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are two peas in a pod. The acidity of this white wine cuts through the creaminess of the cheese. And there is nothing better than Artichoke Dip on a hot summer evening. The creamy, nutty, subtle sweetness from artichokes pairs beautifully with the crisp, refreshing citrus notes of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Check out the pairing video to see how we pair Sauvignon Blanc for Date night with Decoy!
 
Try these pairings:
- Decoy Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
- Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

 

Chardonnay with Mac & Cheese

It is cheesy, creamy, ooey gooey goodness! In our opinion Mac & Cheese is perfect food for any time of year. Here at Duckhorn Portfolio our Chardonnay is sourced from cool-climate regions across California to retain nice acidity and a cool refreshing crispness which will pair perfectly with the creaminess and silkiness of Mac & Cheese. Get the Recipe!
 
Try these pairings:
- Calera Mt. Harlan Chardonnay
- Decoy Sonoma County Chardonnay
- Migration Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay

 

Pinot Noir with Salmon-Truffled Pizza

One can never go wrong with a Pizza & Pinot pairing! Pinot Noir is a fun wine in that it really captures the essence of where it is grown. Stylistically it can range from fruity to earthy or spicy and it is great to pair with salmon and truffled cheese as it’s light-bodied and subtle so the food can take center stage! This is a great brunch recipe to share with family and friends or to enjoy on your own. Get the Recipe!
 
Try these pairings:
- Decoy California Pinot Noir
- Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir
- Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

 

Merlot with Fig & Ham Flatbread

Nothing screams summer more than fruit! Summer is fig season in California. Merlot has gorgeous fruit-forward notes so not surprisingly, Merlot pairs fantastically with the savory ham and subtle fig sweetness on this flatbread. Elevate your pizza night with this delicious summer flatbread and Merlot wine pairing. Get the Recipe!
 
Try these pairings:
- Decoy Sonoma County Merlot
- Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot
- Duckhorn Vineyards Stout Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

 

Cabernet Sauvignon with Beef Sliders

Grilling season is here and there is no pairing more classic than Cabernet with burgers. The beauty of sliders is that they can be served as an appetizer or even as a light meal during a hot summer day. Cabernet Sauvignon is big and bold with savory tannins which makes it the perfect wine pairing to stand up to red meat. Get the Recipe!
 
Try these pairings:
- Canvasback Red Mountain Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon
- Decoy California Cabernet Sauvignon
- Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon