Sass Gamay Noir Rosé 2022, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Climbing the folded hills of Oregon’s fertile Willamette Valley, small vineyards flourish on land once thought unsuitable for anything but grasses or Christmas trees. Each year, the struggling vines produce tight clusters of grapes that gradually ripen during the long, dry summers. The warm days and cool nights of autumn help the fruit develop intense, complex layers of flavor and aroma that produce delicately rich, elegant and nuanced wines. Sass Winery is one such place, producing small amounts of handcrafted pinot noir, gamay noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, marsanne, roussanne, and gamay noir rosé. Gamay Noir Rosé – Berry flavors and aromas, with strawberry, cranberry and a juicy finish. Whole clusters lightly crushed and left in the press for a few hours, then pressed and fermented at 38 degrees for two months. It retains its freshness and bright fruit in the bottle.