Pedroncelli 2015 Dry Rosé of Zinfandel, Signature Selection, Dry Creek Valley

Rosé wine was produced as early as 7,000 BC – even before red and white wines. We think it was created to help our ancestors survive summer without air conditioning.

Sonoma Rosé

While France is the homeland for refreshing rosé, there is no shortage to this light colored wine closer to home. Sonoma County, more known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is now producing some knockout rosé.

During a recent sultry summer afternoon, we fired up the grill and enjoyed a chilled bottle of Dry Rosé of Zinfandel from Pedroncelli.

Eruption of Flavor and Color

With rosé, you must first drink it with the eyes. The palette of colors for rosé is delightful, ranging from salmon pink to light orange – or in this case, a luminous ruby tint.

Pedroncelli has been making rosé since the 1950s. The rocky soils and hilly terrain allow the Zinfandel to develop rich fruit flavors. This rosé has rollicking flavors, more than we had expected.
The wine is made by combining two traditional methods of rosé production. Sixty percent of the blend comes from free run juice from the early picked grapes while the other 40% is drawn in the saignée method from the fermenting red wine.

Picture Perfect

The Pedroncelli is loaded with lush flavors and isn’t bone dry, thanks to the natural fruitiness of the Zinfandel. We prepared grilled teriyaki salmon and this was a great pairing. The rosé had strawberry and watermelon flavors and radiated freshness. This also has more body than the typical rosé.

Indeed, this was a perfect wine for a humid evening. Also very tasty is the $12 suggested retail price. We suggest it is time to dive into a refreshing glass of Sonoma rosé – and Pedroncelli is a great place to start.