Apolloni Rosé Blend Oregon Rosé 2011

Alfredo Apolloni artfully blends his trademark Pinot Noir with Viognier to create this beautiful Rosé, which typically sells out annually. Definitely fruit-forward, you’re immediately engulfed by notes of watermelon and strawberries complemented by its strong citrus finish. Rosés are the perfect choice for summer refreshment, and is itself nearly a bottled amalgamation of the warm sun and chilling breezes. This Rosé can be enjoyed alone or, if you choose, paired alongside an entrée of light fish or poultry; or you can highlight the wine’s strong flavor by simply adding a snack plate of hard cheese and crackers. Alfredo Apolloni comes from a legacy of Italian winemakers stretching back more than 150 years, originating in Tuscany’s Arezzo region, located near Florence. The family vineyard’s current location in the northern portion of Oregon’s Willamette Valley allows for slower ripening of the grapes due to an extended growing season, making it ideal for Pinot Noir—the primary grape included in their Rosé. All twenty southern-facing acres of vines dedicated to the noir variety are hand-picked from the leaves at the optimum time to active the perfect balance of sweetness with acidity. Apolloni Vineyards complies with all the requirements of both Oregon’s sustainable viniculture and Salmon Safe programs, which is not surprising since the family’s traditional crest adorns all the bottles’ labels as a symbol of both the history and future longevity.