
2023 Elouan Oregon Rosé
GROWING SEASOn
While winter began with several early storms that provided much-needed rainfall to Oregon, in mid-April, during budbreak, the state experienced a severe frost event that delayed grapevine growth by two to three weeks compared to normal. From May through June, a series of late-season storms brought rainfall ranging from 150 to 300% above normal. Once July arrived, the weather transitioned to very warm conditions with no rainfall, resulting in rapid grapevine growth. From July into late August, the warm weather allowed the grapevines to grow rapidly, offsetting the early season delays caused by the wet and cold spring weather. Veraison occurred in late August and, due to the very warm weather in September, the crop ripened a bit earlier than anticipated. In late September, we began harvesting the fruit for our Elouan Rosé and completed the harvest in the first week of October.
WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
This is a bespoke Rosé where the grapes are grown and harvested with the specific intention of making a Rosé; not a Saignee Rosé, which is a by-product of making red wine. Straight after harvest the fruit received a whole cluster light press, then the skins were discarded and the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the primary fruit flavors and freshness in the wine. Finished with a screwcap to preserve the crisp, clean aromas and flavors, it is a great choice for outdoor occasions: picnics, lunch on the patio, or enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.