Amusing Impulse: Avennia 2014 “L’Egerie” Rosé
Fellow wine lovers, Rosé has come a long way in a Washington State, and the whole west coast, in just a short amount of time. Not too long ago we thought of Rosé as being the sweet and simple stuff of White Zinfandel, but somehow today, it has been transformed into serious wine for all wine lovers and connoisseurs, drinkers of both red and white wine alike. It has becoming the stuff of musings on warm sunny days, and a bringer of shimmering light during those which are overcast.
Avennia 2014 “L’Egerie” Rosé $24.99
I know everyone out there loves the wines of Avennia as much as I do, as they continue to be the most talked about new winery in all of Washington. This is just the second vintage of their “L’Egerie” Rosé made available for public consumption, which takes its name from the French word for “The Muse”. For a second year in a row, this lovely Rosé comes in extremely limited form, to the tune of 125 cases being produced. Last year, we were only able to offer 18 bottles on Impulse, this year they’ve been generous enough to bump our allotment up to 36 bottles, which I’m sure will still not be enough to quench our collective thirsts.
Once again, the good people of Avennia have turned out a stunningly elegant wine, with tremendous finesse. Showing lots of crisp minerality and lean acidity, it really reminds of more of a Rosé from France than from Washington. A blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvedre, coming from Avennia usual assortment of top vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley, ie, Alder Ridge, Upland, and Kiona’s Heart of the Hill Vineyard. Aged for 7 Months in 30% neutral French oak - to provide some rich creamy texture with hints of brioche toastiness - and 70% stainless steel - to maintain its fresh essence and austere core. The L’Egerie Rosé has a nose full of stoney minerality, with a bright and delicate palate showing notes of watermelon, strawberry, and orange zest, with hints of wildflowers. It becomes available just in time for Wild Salmon season, and goes great with a serving of Copper River King!
We have just 36 bottles to offer on Impulse, and they are first come first serve.
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State
Vineyard: Alder Ridge, Upland, and Kiona’s Heart of the Hill Vineyard
Grape: 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvedre
Aging: 7 Months in 30% Neutral Oak, 70% Stainless Steel
Drinkability: Now through the next 12 months
Body: Medium-Light
Alcohol: 13.8% by volume
Drink This if you Like: Rosés from France’s Sancerre or Rhone
Press: KOMO News top “5 Rosé in Seattle”
Food Pairings: Copper River Salmon
Production: 125 cases
Availability: 3 cases
Yashar Shayan
Certified Sommelier
Founder, Impulse Wine