This was my first experience with a rosé of Petite Sirah, and I’m so glad that it’s with Queen Theo-patra herself. Theodora describes this delicate take on a robust wine as “elegant,” “curvy,” and “feminine.” While I do agree, I can’t help but add that this curvaceous lady has a bit of a tom-boy streak. As beautiful as she is, she’s ready to get rough and tumble. Can you handle a woman with strength? Grab a glass and find out.
About the Wine: Theopolis Vineyards 2016 Rosé of Petite Sirah is a purposeful rosé, harvested early from Theopolis estate vineyards located in the Yorkville Highlands of Mendocino County. The juice was fermented in 0.75 ton bins with manually daily punch downs. The wine aged in 100% French oak barrels (25% new; 75% neutral) for 22 months.
This wine is unfiltered and unfiltered.
12.2% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open up this rosé to find aromas of strawberries, watermelon, and dried currants and golden raisins waiting for you. On the pour, the Theopolis Vineyards 2016 Rosé of Petite Sirah is a peachy-pink, settling into the glass much denser, richer — an almost burnt-orange shade of red.
Initial aromas are of wild strawberries, black cherries, green herbs — the nose of this wine, in fact, is almost reminiscent of a Pinot Noir. Swirl the wine around and find a richness and depth to those red fruits and add elements of wet green grass, pink flowers, and river water, complete with a wet stone minerality.
This rosé is quite light in body with a silky-smooth texture, but make no mistake it is full of flavor. The dominant flavor is most like a bouquet of wild flowers with secondary flavors including strawberries, watermelon, white chocolate, cherry cordial, a hint of musky cologne, and just the slightest suggestion of white pepper spice at the end.
Food Pairing: While I served the Theopolis Vineyards 2016 Rosé of Petite Sirah chilled and enjoyed it on its own as an aperitif to my meal (which I actually served with the Theopolis Vineyards 2013 Petite Sirah), one could easily serve it alongside a substantial appetizer like a meat and cheese charcuterie board or even clam chowder (or other cream-based soup).
However, I also think this pink wine could easily be used in place of a red wine and served with a hearty meal. I would suggest, in this case, serving the wine at either cellar or room temperature to enjoy a bit more body, depth of flavor, and texture. I would recommend either a grilled salmon served with simple steam vegetables; a leaner red meat like venison; or a spring vegetable risotto.
More Info: More Info: I received the Theopolis Vineyards 2016 Rosé of Petite Sirah as a sample for review. (Cheers Theodora!) Retail: $24. For more information about Theopolis Vineyards, their wine and to purchase wines directly, please visit the Theopolis Vineyards website.
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