I've since learned that B. Wise (named for founder Brion Wise) has an admirable range of wines that includes Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine. We were delighted to try the 2024 Ronda Rosé and experience the lighter side of this boutique winery.
While rosé conjures up images of sultry summer afternoons on the patio, we find it to be a great year-round choice. Its food-friendly nature means it frequently appears on our dinner table. Looking for a bit of sunshine during an arctic blast? Uncorking a bottle of rosé is the answer.
Ronda Rosé is named after Brion's wife and is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Grenache. Grapes come from two premier north coast vineyards in Sonoma County. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, something that adds depth.
The color is a silvery salmon pink, resulting from only a few hours of skin contact. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in both steel and neutral French oak barrels. As with most B. Wise wines, this is a small-lot production, with only 190 cases produced.
On the nose, there is strawberry with fresh citrus notes. On the palate, there are strawberry and melon flavors and refreshing minerality. The elegance of the Pinot Noir and the roundness of the Grenache equal an expressive wine. The acidity keeps this a playful glass.
At $36 (the price on the winery website), this is an affordable and enjoyable foray into the craftsmanship and spirit that are hallmarks of this superb winery. This is an easy wine to savor, and for us to heartily recommend.
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