McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache

McKahn Family Cellars is yet another winery I’ve heard all about and even follow on social media, but never had the opportunity to taste. Now, I’m not a huge rosé person. Indeed, I’m quite picky about the pink things I drink. But when I saw that this rosé was made from 100% Grenache — well this honorary Rhone Ranger just couldn’t pass it up…

About the Wine: The McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache is made from 100% Grenache grapes harvested from Runquist Vineyards in Amador County’s Shenendoah Valley. The grapes were whole cluster pressed to tank and cold-settled for 24 hours. The juice was then racked off primary lees and inoculated with yeast and fermented in 100% neutral French oak barrels. The rosé was fermented to dryness in barrel and aged for six months before bottling.

13.1% ABV

Flavor Profile: The McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache is immediately aromatic the second you pop the cork. Breathe in strawberries, watermelon, and a hint of passionfruit. The rosé presents baby pink on the pour, settling into the glass just as soft with a hint of orange ombré. Initial aromas from the glass are similar to those sensed from the bottle but add just a waft of ocean air breeze. Swirl and release a delicate floral perfume and find the line of acidity.

The palate of McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache is soft, with a slightly textural background and a very delicate acidity that only gently cuts right through the center. Dominant flavors are of white strawberries, pink lemonade raspberries, white flowers, and white nectarines and their skins.

Food Pairing: I paired the McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache with a mediterranean salad made with spinach, caramelized onions, tomatoes, feta balsamic vinaigrette and craisens topped with vegetarian meatballs. (Seriously…try it.) I actually rather enjoyed the spinach with this wine, as it helped elevate that subtle background texture. The spices in the meatballs elevated the floral notes while the feta brought out the fruits. I know…it sounds like a crazy dish and an oddball pairing, but I absolutely enjoyed it and can’t wait to do it again.

In any event, I will add this — this is certainly a foodie’s rosé. It’s got enough body to it that you could easily pair this with a salad as I did, but could just as well enjoy it with a burger. Your choice.

More Info: I received the McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache as a gift. (Cheers Jim!) Retail: $26. For more information about McKahn Family Cellars, their wine, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the McKahn Family Cellar website.

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