What Is La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé

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La Crema Winery has a long and storied history in the world of wine production. It has been dedicated to crafting high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of its vineyard locations. La Crema is renowned for its attention to detail and commitment to sustainable viticulture practices. The winery’s philosophy revolves around the idea of expressing the essence of the grape and the land it comes from. Their vineyards are carefully tended to, ensuring that the grapes reach optimal ripeness. La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé is one of the shining stars in their portfolio, a wine that has captured the hearts of many wine enthusiasts around the globe.

The Grape Variety: Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a finicky and elegant grape variety. It is known for its thin skins and relatively low tannin levels. This grape thrives in cooler climates, which allow it to develop its characteristic flavors and aromas. Pinot Noir grapes are often prized for their ability to produce wines with notes of red berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. They also can exhibit earthy undertones, like forest floor and mushroom. The delicate nature of Pinot Noir makes it a challenging grape to cultivate, but when done right, it can result in some of the most sought-after wines in the world. La Crema’s decision to use Pinot Noir for their rosé is a testament to their expertise and confidence in handling this particular variety.

The Winemaking Process of La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé

Harvesting

The grapes for La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé are harvested at a specific moment of ripeness. The winemakers closely monitor the sugar levels, acidity, and flavor development of the grapes. Harvesting is typically done by hand to ensure that only the best-quality grapes are selected. This method also allows for greater precision in choosing the right bunches.

Maceration

After harvesting, the grapes undergo a short maceration period. This is a crucial step as it determines the color and flavor extraction of the rosé. The skins of the Pinot Noir grapes are left in contact with the juice for a limited time, usually a few hours to a couple of days. This allows the juice to absorb the beautiful pinkish hue and some of the flavor compounds from the skins without becoming overly tannic or astringent.

Fermentation

The fermentation process is carefully controlled. La Crema may use either stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, depending on the desired style of the rosé. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves the fresh and fruity characteristics of the wine, while oak barrel fermentation can add complexity and a subtle vanilla or spice note. The yeast strains chosen also play a role in the final flavor profile, as they convert the sugars in the grape juice into alcohol.

Aroma Profile

Fruity Aromas

The nose of La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé is dominated by a bouquet of fresh red fruits. The strawberry aroma is often prominent, reminiscent of freshly picked strawberries in a summer field. Raspberries also contribute to the fruity profile, adding a touch of tartness and sweetness. There are also hints of cherry, which give the wine a deeper and more complex fruity note.

Floral Notes

Alongside the fruity aromas, there are delicate floral scents. Rose petals are a common floral aroma detected, giving the wine an elegant and feminine touch. There may also be a faint whiff of violet, which adds to the overall complexity and allure of the aroma profile.

Secondary Aromas

As the wine ages or due to the winemaking process, secondary aromas can develop. These might include a slight earthiness, similar to the smell of damp soil after a light rain. There could also be a hint of spice, such as a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg, which adds an interesting dimension to the overall aroma bouquet.

Flavor Profile

Primary Fruit Flavors

On the palate, the wine bursts with the flavors of the red fruits that were present in the aroma. The strawberry flavor is vivid and juicy, coating the tongue with its sweet and slightly acidic taste. The raspberry flavor adds a zing of tartness, balancing out the sweetness. The cherry flavor provides a more robust and full-bodied element, giving the wine a certain depth.

Acidity and Balance

La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé has a well-balanced acidity. The acidity is not overly sharp but is sufficient to give the wine a refreshing quality. It helps to lift the fruit flavors and makes the wine more lively and enjoyable. The balance between the fruitiness, acidity, and any potential oak or secondary flavors is carefully crafted, ensuring that no single element overpowers the others.

Finish

The finish of the wine is long and lingering. The fruit flavors gradually fade, leaving behind a pleasant aftertaste. There may be a slight mineral note in the finish, which is a characteristic that can be attributed to the terroir where the grapes were grown. This mineral note adds a sense of place and authenticity to the wine.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Seafood

The light and fruity nature of La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé makes it an excellent pairing for various seafood dishes. It pairs well with grilled salmon, as the richness of the salmon is complemented by the wine’s acidity and fruit flavors. Shrimp cocktails are also a great match, with the wine cutting through the creaminess of the sauce and enhancing the delicate flavor of the shrimp.

Poultry

Roast chicken is a classic pairing. The wine’s acidity helps to cut through the fat of the chicken skin, while the fruit flavors complement the savory flavor of the meat. Turkey dishes, especially during the holiday season, can also be paired with this rosé. The wine can balance the richness of a well-seasoned turkey and the accompanying stuffing.

Salads and Light Appetizers

A fresh green salad with strawberries, goat cheese, and walnuts is a perfect match for La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé. The wine’s fruity notes blend harmoniously with the strawberries in the salad, and its acidity complements the goat cheese. Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil is another great appetizer pairing, as the wine enhances the freshness of the tomatoes and the herbal notes of the basil.

See Also: What Is Pinot Noir Rosé Lidl?

Serving and Storage

Serving Temperature

La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé should be served at a slightly chilled temperature, around 45-50°F (7-10°C). This temperature range allows the wine’s aromas and flavors to be fully expressed. If the wine is too cold, the aromas and flavors may be muted, and if it is too warm, it can become overly alcoholic and lose its refreshing quality.

Glassware

A tulip-shaped glass is ideal for serving this rosé. The shape of the glass helps to concentrate the aromas, allowing the drinker to fully appreciate the complex bouquet of the wine. The narrow rim also directs the wine to the specific areas of the tongue, enhancing the tasting experience.

Storage

The wine should be stored in a cool, dark place. If stored for a short period (up to a year), a wine refrigerator can be used. For longer-term storage, a cellar with a consistent temperature and humidity is recommended. It is important to store the wine on its side to keep the cork moist and prevent air from entering the bottle, which could cause oxidation and spoilage.

Conclusion

La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé is a wine that offers a delightful sensory experience. From its beautiful pink color to its complex aroma and flavor profile, it has much to offer wine enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed on its own during a relaxing evening or paired with a delicious meal, it showcases the artistry of La Crema Winery. The careful winemaking process, the use of the noble Pinot Noir grape, and the attention to detail in every aspect, from harvesting to serving, make this rosé a standout in the world of wines. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of the winemakers who strive to create a wine that not only tastes great but also tells a story of the land and the grapes it comes from.

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