Latah Creek Dry Rosé 2024

Before they began crafting Rosés, Mike and Natalie developed a wine called Spokane Blush. This Blush was a blend of white and red wines. However, Natalie was excited about the idea of creating a blush-colored wine exclusively from red grapes, which led to their Rosé. Rosé wines are distinctive as they combine the best qualities of both red and white wines—red grapes made in a white wine style. The delightful berry flavors can only be achieved using a red varietal, and due to the unique winemaking process, you’ll discover delicate flavors that are usually not present.

First, there’s a refreshing and crisp mouthfeel that stands out. Additionally, with lower alcohol content and the absence of oak, the wine allows the true essence of the red fruit to shine through. Lastly, because this wine is made in a white wine style—which involves different methods such as temperature management and using specific white wine yeast—subtle flavors that typically fade can emerge beautifully, like watermelon and grapefruit.

Natalie’s Tasting Notes

I loves Rosé wines because their wonderfully dry and crisp mouthfeel presents a unique flavor profile derived exclusively from red wine varietals.  Our grower has an exceptional block of vines featuring Syrah, Malbec, and Tempranillo grapes. Initially, these were hand-harvested to keep the varieties distinct. However, with the switch to machine harvesting, this became a challenge. He decided to experiment with a blended rosé, and when it was time to create our Rosé of Malbec, he proposed this same idea. After tasting a sample from the previous year, I was hooked and knew I wanted to craft a rosé just like that. This delicate rosé starts with aromas of watermelon, red berries, and papaya. Flavors of rhubarb and cherry with tropical and citrus undertones linger long after the wine is swallowed.

Food Pairing

Enjoy this wine with pork, chicken, picnic fare, and seafood, such as Ellena’s Street Cod Tacos recipe available online or in her latest cookbook.

Winemakers

Mike Conway & Natalie Conway-Barnes