2017 Iapetus Figure 3 Pétillant Naturel Rosé Vermont

A rosé saignée of Marquette, a hybrid red grape bred for cold regions. The fruit was de-stemmed and rested in tank for 24 hours prior to bleeding. The wine fermented with ambient cultures and was bottled with 7 g/L of sugar for the prise de mousse. It was hand-disgorged and not dosed.

I’m surprised by the 14.8% alcohol; it’s high for a rosé and surprising, also, for Northern red wine. The robe is a deep velvet red with a quiet perlage. The aromas are like strawberries macerated in rose petals, with a secondary note that’s distinctly mineral. The body has a creamy-textured mousse but there’s little autolysis flavor. Mostly it’s about strawberry-cranberry fruit with a rounded, dark cherry finish. A crackle of resinous herbs (rosemary, rubbed lavender) and pepper adds dimension.

Pace yourself! You want to glug it, but at nearly 15% ABV it’s not your grandmother’s rosé. A natural for a mixed cheese board, also grilled salmon and shrimp, rosy pork loin, roasted turkey. Thanksgiving!