Earlier this week I had the opportunity to participate in the #WineStudio June Rosé program (see below for more information), which featured the 2016 Bonterra Rosé.

The Rise Of Rosé in the U.S.

Anecdotally, I was aware of the rise in popularity of Rosé (a.k.a. blush wine, pink wine) in the US.  There are more choices than ever (and seemingly a concomitant rise in prices) especially the dry style of rosé.   According to the Beverage Trade Network, here are some highlights of rosé consumption in the US:

• Rosé consumption in the US has been on the rise for the past decade.
• US rosé wine sales are better and more diverse than ever including emerging brands and bottles that get beyond the obvious fruity style.
• The United States is currently ranked as the world’s third largest producer of rosé wine and is gaining ground as the trend shows its longevity year after year.
• The only segment of the US wine market that is growing faster than the ‘premium dry rosé’ category is the ‘(sweet) red blend,’ according to recent data out of California.
• US rosé imports are on the rise as consumer tastes shift from sweet blush wines to drier rosés.
• Together, France and the US consume nearly half of the annual 594.4 million gallons of rosé produced globally.
• Exports of rosé from Provence, France outpace other regions.
• Google search volume for ‘rosé-wine’ has been on the rise for nearly a decade, an increase in market reach and consumer interest.

It would seem that rosé has risen gone from being “just” a popular drink among hard-core wine enthusiasts who appreciate its refreshing and food-friendly character, and the diversity of styles available to the main stream wine consumers who have brought into rosé as a lifestyle choice because of the image drinking rose perpetuates (i.e. by drinking rosé you’re transported to a summertime drive along the French Riviera, and living a carefree life.

“The success of rosés is due to many factors including price, versatility, not being a pretentious wine, offering a new wine category for millennials to absorb etc., but the principal factor of its success is the image it perpetuates.” –  Pierrick Bouquet, founder of La Nuit en Rosé Festival, the world’s first wine festival dedicated exclusively to rosé

2016 Bonterra Vineyards Rosé

Crafted in the Provençal style, this wine is a blend of mostly  74%Grenache , with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo rounding out the blend.  The Nebbiolo gives the wine a bit more acidity and also  an appealing floral lift.  This is an “intentional”  or direct press rosé meaning  it is made from grapes bespoke for the wine that are pressed exclusively for rosé.

Gorgeous very pale pink with just a hint of salmon hue with strawberry, lime zest, dried rose aromas. On the palate it’s light-bodied, dry, and harmonious with mouth-watering acidity. Alluring flavors of strawberry, watermelon, cherry, and lime linger on the palate (especially the mid-palate) with very satisfying finish.  Wonderful QPR!  12.9% abv; SRP – $16; 2,000 cases 

About Bonterra

Bonterra Organic Vineyards is a pioneer in organic wine growing.    It’s hard to believe, but this year they are celebrating 30 years of  organic farming!  That tells me they’ve always believed that organic grapes make the best wine .

Introduced in 1993 as one of the first organically farmed wines in the US, Bonterra’s acclaimed varietal wines are exclusively made from 100% certified organic California vineyards 

The farm 950 acres of CCOF-certified organic vineyards in Mendocino, including  three ranches (Blue Heron, McNab and Butler) are certified Biodynamic® by Demeter. The investment in organic and biodynamic farming has paid off – sales are up around 20 % and today Bonterra wines are sold in all 50 U.S. states and in 23 countries around the world.

Last year,  Bonterra won the coveted Wine Enthusiast 2016 Wine Star Award for American Winery of the Year.  It was the the first time the award was presented to a vintner dedicated to organic farming!

About #WineStudio

#Winestudio is an interactive beverage education and brand marketing program organized via social media. Each month a different theme is selected and an online conversation is built around that topic, creating focused content and media that provide value for both the participants and brands.

The June Rosé program previously featured Domaines Paul Mas from France and  Arinzano Winery from Spain.

Check out the rest of the #winestudio June Rosé  program  schedule:

27 June – Conn Creek Winery; Twitter handle – @conncreekwinery

Conn Creek winery was founded nearly 40 years ago,  focused primarily on what Napa Valley does best: Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. Mike McGrath started with Conn Creek back in the 1980s and perhaps is one of the longest tenured Napa Valley winemakers working for just one winery.

Occasionally Conn Creek makes a small lot of wine in a spirit of experimentation and fun, so this Rosé of Malbec is the result of their most recent experiment with just 67 cases produced!

2016 Conn Creek Rosé of Malbec, Antica Vineyard, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley $24
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We’re joined by:
Alyssa Taylor Enologist @alyssaataylor
Christina Starr Communications Manager, Luxury & Import Wines St. Michelle Wine Estates @conncreekwinery
Tracey Hoff Visitor Center Manager | Conn Creek Winery  @Tracey914 ​

My Take Away

I could drink this wine all summer.  It’s light bodied, so refreshing, and made for the table.  Pair it with light summer fare such as salads and seafood.  It has an affinity for goat cheese and feta cheese.  Try it with a Watermelon Feta Salad!

If you’re a rosé wine lover, you owe it to yourself to check out these chats to find out more about rosé and get introduced to some interesting producers! Follow the hashtag #winestudio 6pm PDT Tuesdays on Twitter – pour yourself  and glass of wine and join the conversation!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received wines at no cost from Bonterra and #Wine Studio. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are entirely my own

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