2018 Solidarity Rogue Valley
( Rose of Pinot Noir) Can a wine become a hero? Wines splash across World History via emperors, kings, philosophers, soldiers, and even common folk. This unique wine, “Solidarity”, is that kind of story, too. The story I am relating is second hand, as told by one living through this saga. Grape growers and wine producers along Oregon’s Willamette Valley are a close-knit group. They guard their AVA region jealously. And here is a wine’s label cementing their whole belief: Solidarity. It is their statement focused on honoring consistent, high-quality products. A few years ago, a wine grower from California purchased an Oregon vineyard. In short while, the new owner began importing California grapes. Any out-of-state grapes could never comply with Willamette Valley’s strict guidelines. Local growers and facility owners brought a law suit against this interloper. They won their court case, which caused him to cease selling products; he closed the doors, retreated back to California. The collateral damage from their win was immediate lost cash for local grape growers. Here’s the rest of the story: These Willamette Valley winning owners stepped up; they bought the year’s crop of grapes. The rescued grapes got crushed and fermented into this “Rose of Pinot Noir”. The blend, in itself, is creative, because most Rose wines aren’t made from Pinot Noir grapes. Owners and growers stayed in lock-step. Solidarity was marketed primarily locally such as through restaurants, etc. As result, the Oregon grape growers remain in business, without being sold out; the producers retrieved their rescue money, and local residents enjoyed a unique Rose. Solidarity is a light Rose. The pour is light pink and find the simple taste of grapefruit. This is a fun summer sipping wine: great on a picnic.
