The five components for the 2023 Ascendant Rosé – cinsault, mourvèdre, grenache, counoise and carignan – were grown and harvested with the intention to make this rosé wine. Even though these are all red grapes, the grapes were all picked at lower sugars and higher acidity than would have been the case for a red wine, and these vines were pruned and grown with rosé production in mind.

The purpose of our “Ascendant” wines are to be age-worthy representations of the unique terroir of Troon Vineyard. Most rosé wines are typically consumed young, so the Ascendant Rosé is a bit of a rarity being crafted with the intention of allowing for age. Part of this intention is in the blending of varieties. The cinsault adds bright red fruits, whose presence should only diminish slowly over time. The mourvèdre adds body and fruit complemented by intriguing herbal characteristics. Grenache adds some weight and texture along with ample fruit. Counoise adds acidity, an absolute prerequisite for extended aging, and carignan adds spiciness.