Winery/Vineyard: Danza del Sol Winery
Product/Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2019
AVA on Bottle: Temecula Valley
Winemaker: Justin Knight
Rating: 88
How They Describe It
Nestled in a 40-acre vineyard, Danza del Sol Winery is located on the De Portola Wine Trail in the heart of Temecula Valley. Our winery reflects the spirit of “The Valley” rustic, authentic and bold. We are dedicated to producing premium varietal and proprietary blended wines that will not only pair well with food but will exceed your expectations. With one of the friendliest tasting staffs in Temecula Valley, Danza del Sol is a must when visiting Southern California.
How I Describe It
Appearance
The Danza del Sol 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé is clear but unfiltered, with some particulates from the skins visible. Importantly, this does not influence the quality of the wine insofar as taste or smell. It’s merely an aesthetic preference — and, frankly, one which aligns with Danza del Sol’s rustic appeal.
The wine’s color is somewhere between salmon (think sushi) and orange. Pinot Noir rosé falls naturally on this spectrum, though it’s possible some micro-oxygenation contributed to the hue.
Nose
The Danza del Sol 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé features a beautiful bouquet of fruity aromas. Lemon, raspberry, and strawberry lead. Next, undertones of watermelon and orange peel meld into a finish of tart Granny Smith apple.
Palate
This is one of those interesting wines where the palate differs somewhat from the nose. Citrus flavors manifest as grapefruit here, and the strawberry incorporates some tartness from the wine’s acidity. Watermelon and green apple are also perceptible, but commingle with honeysuckle and celery.
Danza del Sol’s 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé tastes off-dry, with a bit of residual sugar sweetness. Acidity is medium-plus, supplying crispness in addition to tartness. At 12.9% ABV, alcohol content is medium. The wine has a medium-plus body for rosés, with medium-plus flavor intensity, and a medium finish.
Why is This Wine Special?
We’ve written before about Danza del Sol being one of the top white wine producers in the Temecula Valley AVA. But they also make a mean rosé.
Red Pinot Noir wine is scarcely found in the Temecula Valley AVA. The grape is finicky and very sensitive to heat. In the sunny Southern California climate, the skins simply do not impart the delicate floral notes found in Burgundy, Oregon, or Washington state.
However, when the juice from the grapes have minimal contact with their skins, Southern California Pinot Noir makes an outstanding rosé, and can even be used in méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. Similar to how Danza del Sol consulting winemaker Rentao Sais and Associate Winemaker Justin Knight craft outstanding New World Sauvignon Blanc, his Pinot Noir showcases brighter fruit characteristics than more delicately flavored counterparts.
The result is a crisp-yet-fruity easy-drinking wine, best served chilled, and optimally drank poolside.
When & How I Would Drink It
The Danza del Sol 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé is an outstanding barbecue wine, particularly with grilled poultry. Grilled chicken sandwiches — especially with a well-spiced dry rub — would play well with the wine’s citrus and berry.
Don’t forget about seafood either. Wine Folly also suggests Thyme Roasted Trout, Salmon Burgers, Edamame Corn Chowder, and Club Sandwiches.
How to Get It
Order Online: https://www.danzadelsolwinery.com/wines/red
Bottle Price: $40.00 ($32.00 for wine club members)
Cases Produced: 180 cases
Have you tried the Danza del Sol 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé? How did the tasting notes compare with your experience? Leave a comment below.
I am interested in your rose, but price is too high, how about $28/bottle for a case shipped to AZ?
Hi, David. Temecula Wine Ratings doesn’t represent Danza del Sol, and doesn’t sell their products, but I relayed your comment to the winery. They should reach out and help you directly.