Winemaker Erich Russell has created the next great rosé wine!

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We had a fantastic response to our second 2024 Rosato (Rosé). One of the reasons this wine is o special is that we press whole-cluster grapes without putting them through the crusher first. This process of whole-cluster winemaking is very unique and is only used for fine rosé wines. The reason many wineries don’t press whole-cluster grapes is that it is very expensive, requires a lot of work at harvest time when no one has extra time, and requires an extra day of picking a small amount of grapes, an extra day of pressing for a small amount of wine, and a crew of workers for a small bottling day. You get the drift. 

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The California Mountains have experienced an unusually cold winter with low temperatures and substantial rainfall, which has slowed the malolactic process. Given the late timing of the Mourvèdre harvest, warmer spring conditions may be required to complete fermentation, as cellar temperatures were notably cool at the time of picking. This behavior is characteristic of the Mourvèdre variety and mirrors the production of Bandol Rosés in France, which are typically among the last wines to be bottled. The extended barrel aging contributes to greater complexity in the final wine.

 

We are encouraged by the current barrel samples, which promise further improvement upon completion of malolactic fermentation. We aim to produce a wine in the style of Domaine Tempier, and this may represent a unique opportunity to incorporate Mourvèdre from vines planted before 1900 into a Rosé. Notably, red wines produced from these same grapes by another winery retail for over $75 per bottle.

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In Tuscany, most Rosato is made by simply draining grape juice out of the fermenter after a couple of hours (This is called “saignée,” which is French for “to bleed.” That method involves “bleeding off” some red wine during fermentation and using that to make everyday rosé). We are making an extra effort to press whole-cluster fruit, rather than just saignée bleed-off, for this wine.  

 

​​​​Order now for a special treat! We ask that you order in increments of 6! ​​

The 2025 vintage will be bottled in our signature Russell label.

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Winemaker Notes on the 2024:

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Our 2024 Rosato rosé was made from grapes picked at lower Brix (lower alcohol), pressed in the morning, and then barrel-fermented using only the natural yeast present in the grapes. The vineyard is the same vineyard that produced our 2022 Russell Sangiovese.

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Passione Divina 2024 Rosato presents a delicate pale pink hue, indicative of its gentle extraction process. On the nose, it offers an inviting bouquet of fresh strawberries, cherries, and subtle floral notes, particularly rose petals. These aromas are complemented by a hint of Mediterranean herbs, adding complexity to the profile.

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On the palate, the wine is lively and refreshing, with a pleasant acidity that balances the richness of the red fruit flavors. Notes of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry dominate, with a slight hint of orange blossom adding depth. The texture is smooth, making each sip enjoyable and inviting. The finish is clean and persistent, with echoes of fruit and floral notes that invite another sip.

The 2024 vintage benefited from favorable weather conditions, resulting in grapes with optimal ripeness and balanced acidity. This vintage is particularly noted for its vibrant fruit expression and crisp finish. While enjoyable in its youth, this rosato also has the potential to develop additional complexity over the next 1-2 years.

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Professional reviews have praised the Passione Divina Rosato for its elegance and balance. Critics highlight its harmonious blend of fruit and acidity, making it a versatile wine suitable for various occasions. Its approachable style and depth of flavor have earned it commendable ratings in the rosé category. ​Read the 2024 wine review here

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