Ravines Rosé of Pinot Noir '21

Located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Ravines Wine Cellars was established in 2001 by husband-and-wife team of Morten (a winemaker and oenologist raised in the Provence region of southern France) and Lisa Hallgren (a chef). In 2000 the Hallgrens purchased a 17-acre parcel of land on a glacier-carved hillside on the Eastern slopes of Keuka Lake. This land is located at the widest part of the lake, which allows grapevines to receive maximum benefit from its temperature-moderating effects. It has a good slope that keeps the mineral-rich soils well-drained and is situated between two deep ravines, which drain cold air from the land during the winter. These ravines are the namesake of the winery. The winery has grown significantly through the last 18 years, and while small on an international scale, Ravines owns 130 acres of estate vineyards.

This 2021 rosé is made solely of Pinot Noir, grown in limestone soils. The wine is vinified using the traditional saignée method, which involves “bleeding” off a portion of red wine juice after it’s been in contact with the skins and seeds. Ravines, however, does not do this with the intention of using leftovers in their vats to concentrate a red Pinot Noir wine, as many producers do. The Ravines rosé, rather, is made this way to bring out the delicate fruit and floral notes while maintaining the lively, fresh character of the wine.

This 2021 is really singing right now, and will pair nicely with a cheese plate, especially one with some fresh chèvre or an end-of-summer tomato salad with fresh burrata and basil.