Learn how a discovery in the Beringer archives led to the resurrection of our Knights Valley Mountain Rosé as we take you behind the scenes of our winemaking process, where passion and dedication intersected to create a rosé that truly captivates the senses. From the careful selection of the finest grapes to the meticulous infusion of color, aromatics, and flavors, our winemaking team spared no effort to bring you a wine that combines the traditions of the past with the artistry of the present.
About Knights Valley
Beringer Vineyards has owned and farmed its Knights Valley vineyards since the mid-1960’s when the Beringer family recognized that the cobbled alluvial soils were a great place to grow high-quality wine grapes. The Knights Valley designation was first used on a Beringer label in 1974. Beringer was instrumental in garnering official recognition for the area in 1983 as a premier wine growing region in the form of its own American Viticulture Area (AVA) designation.
Located in a remote and bucolic location in Sonoma County just 17 miles north of the Beringer Napa winery, Knights Valley lies in the shadow of Mount St. Helena with hilly terrain that descends to rocky, alluvial soils where ancient rivers once ran. Not only has Knights Valley proved an exemplary producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, but it also has an excellent combination of terrain, microclimates, and soils for a variety of experiments in viticulture that inform Beringer's finest wines and will continue to do so for vintages to come.
Rediscovering the Past
At Beringer, we are always striving to honor our rich history while embracing new opportunities to create exceptional wines. It was about a year ago when we stumbled upon a hidden treasure—a vintage label that read "Beringer, California Mountain Vin Rosé." The year of its origin remains a mystery, but its allure captured our hearts and ignited our imagination.
As we delved into the archives, we couldn't help but reflect on Beringer's remarkable 147-year journey. We saw this as the perfect moment to reintroduce a rosé to our collection. And where better to focus our efforts than the enchanting Knights Valley, a region renowned for its exquisite Malbec grapes.
With an abundance of inspiration and a touch of nostalgia, we embarked on the mission to craft a rosé that would truly represent the essence of Beringer.
The Journey of Crafting Knights Valley Mountain Rosé
We were determined to create a rosé that showcased the unique character of Knights Valley, its vineyards, and its soil and marked the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of rosé winemaking. The decision to focus on Malbec as the grape variety for our rosé was driven by its exceptional attributes. Malbec is renowned for its captivating aromas and striking purple color when used in red wines. We saw the potential to leverage these qualities to create a rosé that would captivate the senses. To achieve the desired characteristics, we faced a crucial decision—how to extract just a delicate hint of color from the Malbec grapes. We opted for a direct press technique, ensuring that there was no skin contact during the winemaking process. This approach allowed us to preserve the gentle blush hue that we envisioned for our Mountain Rosé.
Our winemaking philosophy, not exclusive to the rosé but applicable to all our wines, centers around minimal intervention. We wanted the essence of the vineyard and the grapes to shine through. Our aim was to craft a wine that expressed the unique qualities of Knights Valley and showcased the true potential of the Malbec grape. The journey to create the perfect Mountain Rosé was not without its challenges. It required patience, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of balance and harmony. We invested significant time and effort in honing our winemaking techniques, ensuring that every aspect of the wine was meticulously crafted to achieve the desired result. After numerous iterations and meticulous refinements, the Mountain Rosé emerged as a wine of exceptional character. Tasting notes revealed vibrant and enticing flavors, reminiscent of watermelon Starburst candies, succulent strawberries, and the essence of freshly cut watermelon. The depth of fruit and the quality of the Malbec grapes from Knights Valley were apparent in every sip.
The Mountain Rosé represents a genuine reflection of Beringer's legacy and the spirit of Knights Valley. By resurrecting this historic wine, we have not only honored the past but also created a new chapter in our winemaking history. It is a testament to our commitment to excellence and the artistry that goes into each bottle.
Explore the Bright Tasting Notes of Mountain Rosé
Displaying a bright salmon pink hue with a shiny rose gold rim, the Mountain Rosé leaps out of the glass in both scent and color. Aromas of flinty-ripe starfruit, marshmallow, watermelon taffy, and cotton blossom emerge and intertwine to create a delightful sensory experience. Upon tasting, the wine reveals a plush mouthfeel with a bright acidity, showcasing flavors of Alpine strawberry cream, Casaba melon, and finishing with ripe feijoa. This refreshing and well-balanced wine is the perfect accompaniment to warm spring days and cool summer evenings. Drink fresh to enjoy the lush fruit flavors and aromas at their apotheosis.
