I was extremely excited when I opened my package from Stinson Vineyard to find a rosé of Mourvèdre. Ever since I’ve tasted the version created by Larry Schaffer of Tercero in Santa Barbara, California, I’ve been in love with this kind of wine innovation. A rustic red turned rosé? Yes please. But to taste something from the other side of the country, from White Hall, Virginia, was to taste something completely different. 
About the Wine: The Stinson Vineyards 2017 Rosé of Mourvèdre is made from 100% Mourvèdre grapes sourced from Farmer’s Rest Vineyard in Henrico, Virginia and Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville, Virginia. The AVA designate is simply “Virginia.” The grapes were picked for a purposeful rosé and juices soaked on the skins for 24 hours before moving to stainless steel tanks to ferment and age sur lies. (Exact aging time unknown.)
12% ABV
Flavor Profile: Pop the cork of the Stinson Vineyards 2017 Rosé of Mourvèdre and the aromas are like walking through the farmers’ market when the strawberry and flower stalls are right across from each other. This rosé presents a peachy-orange color on the pour, settling in the glass with just a kiss more pink. Initial aromas are of white chocolate, strawberry, sweet whipped cream, watermelon. Swirl, and the wine reveals orange zest, citrus blossom, and a little bit of garden funk.
The palate is smooth, but there’s an undertone of sour reminiscent of pink lemonade starburst (but not sweet). The body is low, but round; the acidity low but working; and there’s a slight bit of texture that just licks the tongue on top. Dominant flavors are of blood orange juice, strawberry, white chocolate, lemon, free-flowing soil, and a generic floral shampoo — and all along that sense of sour.
Food Pairing: Yes, this was unlike my experience with Tercero that portrayed an almost gritty-earthiness innate in the Mourvèdre grape. Yes this is a fun and drinkable rosé ripe with fruits and florals. It can easily be enjoyed on its own at a picnic or a party where you don’t feel like thinking about the wine. Or with an easy, summery salad or sandwich when, again you don’t necessarily need to or want to think about how well your food matches your wine. So I would recommend it in that regard.
More Info: I received the Stinson Vineyards 2017 Rosé of Mourvèdre as a sample for review. (Cheers Sam!) Retail: $20.99 For more information about Stinson Vineyards, their wine, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Stinson Vineyards website.
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Cheers, Stacy! Great piece