Revisiting an old favorite, the Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare Rosé.
71% Grenache, 11% Cinsaut, 5% Clairette Blanche, 5% Grenache Blanc, 4% Vermentino and 4% Mourvedre from the Central Coast of California: 52% Monterey, 19% Paso Robles, 19% Arroyo Seco, 5% Santa Ynez Valley and 5% San Lucas.
Sample submitted for review. The Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare Rosé has an SRP of $15, but is available for as low as $12.
Vin Gris de Cigare? Vin Gris is a pink wine made from the lightest pressings of red grapes, typically pale in color and elegant in fragrance. As to flying “Cigares” (French slang for UFOs): In 1954 a village in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wisely adopted an ordinance prohibiting the landing of such spacecraft in local vineyards. The regulations have worked exceptionally well in discouraging alien landings. We essay to be equally far-sighted in our winemaking and grape-growing practices, seeking the restor ation of vital life-forces to our soils, and championing the notion of the farm as a more integral entity. Thus, our winemaking practice is exceptionally light-handed, with minimal manipulation and intervention. Enjoy our pink wine of the earth.
Vinted & Bottled by Bony Doon Vineyard
13.5% Alcohol
Made with a healthy dose Rhone white varietals in a style called Vin Gris, today’s wine is not technically a true rosé wine which is made exclusively from red grapes. Regardless this bottle has been one of my very favorite pink wines since we reviewed the 2010 vintage many years ago. That said, while still an excellent value we didn’t think the 2020 was quite up to the same lofty standards as some of its predecessors (previous vintages have even ended up on our Top 10 White & Rosé lists).
The 2020 Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare Rosé begins with a very pleasing aroma of strawberry and watermelon plus a little cranberry, tangerine, granny smith apple and even a hint of mint.
Tasting the wine shows it to be dry, crisp, fresh and quite good. It has similar flavors as the nose but they are a bit more tart in the mouth. It also has good balance, acidity and complexity with a smooth, round mouthfeel but this vintage just lacks a bit of the depth of flavor that some previous renditions had.
Stony minerality along with a bit of saltiness comes out on the medium long, dry finish.
This is an extremely drinkable wine that is so crisp and fresh that you could almost guzzle it on a hot day. Not only that but it will also pair with a wide variety of foods, making for year-round enjoyment.
See a listing of local retailers selling the Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare Rosé here.
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