2021 Louwala Oregon Rosé

Everyone loves a mystery, right? The Louwala Rosé from Oregon’s 2021 growing season is a vinous puzzler, as the grape (or grapes) used to make it were not disclosed by the winemaker. That said, there are a few clues we can follow, beginning with the source of the grapes.

All rosé-style wines are crafted from red grapes, and in France’s Provence appellation, the rosé blend embraced by vintners involves some combination of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvedre and Cinsault. In Northern Italy, Barbera is embraced. In Spain, Tempranillo and Grenache are the choices. In Oregon, the red-wine star, hands down, is Pinot Noir.

Another clue can be the flavor of the wine, and many Oregon Pinots exhibit notes of cherry and cranberry — as this rosé does. So, our best educated guess is that the Louwala Rosé is made entirely or primarily from Pinot Noir. One thing that isn’t a mystery is that the wine is truly delightful.