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Del Rio Winery 2022 Grenache Rosé
Double Gold Medal
Rob & Jolee Wallace went from tomatoes to world class wine grape growing and winemaking.
The ranch has a rich history as it began as a pear orchard, producing pears for over 90 years and supplying premium fruit around the globe. The property was acquired in 1997 by their business partner, Lee Traynham. Lee had a new vision for the property and planted grapes over the next two years. After selling their tomato farm in Arbuckle, California, Rob, Jolee and the family joined Lee in Oregon. Ready to take on a new adventure, they took their expertise and roots in farming and created a dynamic viticultural operation in the heart of Southern Oregon.
Rob and Jolee continued to expand the estate over the years and now grow 460 acres and thirteen grape varieties at Del Rio and Birdseye vineyards. Del Rio is the largest single vineyard in Southern Oregon and we are one of the top wine producers and wine grape growers in the state. In addition to splendid vineyards, they also have a state of the art winemaking facility in the historically iconic red barn, once home to the pear packing house. The facility produces fruit, juice, and wine for many wineries big and small throughout the United States in addition to crafting their own family of brands.
Growth and improvement excite Rob & Jolee, yet they always seek to support their community and maintain the pivotal balance of remaining down to earth. For them the family they've established with the community, co-workers, customers, and friends is what makes producing each vintage meaningful. And as such Del Rio is much more than a vineyard, winery and tasting room, it is a group of people that call themselves family. Rob and Jolee Wallace have created a place where ‘down to earth’ is their passion and hospitality their vessel for sharing the love of what that family does.
Pro-Tip: In the summer they have a "pick it forward" flower garden just off the I-5 freeway, it is a great traveler sanctuary and stop to stretch or destination to enjoy the spectacular scene-scape.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Del Rio Winery, Gold Hill, Oregon
2022 Grenache Rosé
Carrie was clear when she cautioned us in selecting rosés for Cellar 503 releases, explaining that our members have a very developed palate. The message was clear, if you choose a rosé - it had better be amazing. Out of nearly 400 wines entered into this years' Oregon Wine Competition, the judges only saw fit to award 33 double gold medals and ONLY THREE of those double golds were rosés. The 2022 Del Rio Grenache Rosé delivers all the beautiful qualities we have come to expect in Oregon rosé. We feel it is a consistent representation of the vineyard growing site and winemaker Jean-Michel's craft but most importantly the perfect rare example to share with you.
This 100% Estate grown Grenache Rosé is pale pink in color and opens with vibrant aromas of fresh wild strawberries, grapefruit, watermelon, and a hint of peach. The juicy aromas carry over to the palate and are accented by notes of fresh florals, mint, and minerality. This wine is clean and crisp with a lively and balanced finish.
Double Gold Medal - 2023 Oregon Wine Experience
Food Pairing
Crisp and bright fruit flavors make the Grenache Rosé a breeze to pair with a variety of dishes. Take it on a picnic with a colorful assortment of juicy berries, soft, tangy cheeses such as chevre or havarti, or a salad of grilled halloumi, fresh mint, mixed greens, and cubed watermelon in pomegranate citrus vinaigrette. This beautiful wine would also be perfectly at home matched with an elegant dinner date of seafood ceviche, fried calamari, or parmesan arancini. Day or night, casual or formal, this wine would be the ideal accompaniment.
Winemaking
This rosé’s elegantly strawberry pink color was achieved by limiting the skin contact to only 4 hours at 40°F before being gently pressed and allowed to ferment in stainless steel tanks. This approach elevates the very floral style. Upon completion of primary fermentation, the wine was racked and aged on fine lees to further develop its complexity and highlight the bright fruit flavors that this wine boasts. In order to retain maximum flavor and body in balance with clarity, this rosé underwent a light filtration prior to bottling.
Vineyard
South facing, our Southern Oregon Vineyard Estate is located at the northern end of the Rogue Valley. With elevations ranging from 700 to 1800 feet, the primarily ancient volcanic and alluvial fan soils provide well drained, nutrient rich soils which are ideal for growing premium wine grapes.
Wine Stats pH 3.32 T.A. 6.5 Alcohol 12.5 Bottled January 2023
A Cellar 503 selection in October 2023, Road to Gold Rogue Valley | Grenache
