2022 L'Ecole No. 41 Grenache Rose Alder Ridge Vineyard

Winery Overview
L'Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation family-owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their label. Founded in 1983, it was the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley. Over the years, L'Ecole N° 41 has become one of the most prominent and visible Walla Walla Valley wineries with national and international distribution. The winery is recognized for producing ultra-premium, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of their Walla Walla Valley vineyards.

Winemaking Philosophy
L'Ecole N° 41 is committed to quality in both the vineyards and the winery. With more than four decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in their Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long-term relationships with prominent vineyards in Washington State, the winery has established a well-known reputation for quality and consistency across their wine portfolio. L'Ecole N° 41 is at the forefront of sustainable farming in the Walla Walla Valley, with their Estate Ferguson and Estate Seven Hills Vineyards both certified sustainable and Salmon Safe.

Wine Profile: 2022 Grenache Rosé
- Vineyard: Alder Ridge Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills
- Composition: 100% Grenache
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- pH: 3.12
- Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
- Residual Sugar: 1.1 g/L
- Case Production: 1,480

Tasting Notes
This dry Grenache Rosé presents an inviting nose with an array of fruit and floral notes, including strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry, rose petals, and grapefruit blossom. The racy palate offers vibrant flavors of Cara Cara orange and hibiscus, carried by a beautiful acid tension and completed by a flavorful, mouthwatering finish.

An alternative tasting note suggests aromas of orange and chalk, reminiscent of childhood chewable vitamins. The palate is described as having a creamy texture with modest acidity and flavors of peaches, juniper berries, and lime zest.

Winemaking Process
The Grenache for this rosé is grown specifically for this purpose and picked early to retain acidity and expressive aromatics. After 16 hours of skin contact and gentle pressing, the juice is fermented slowly at cool temperatures in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation is inhibited to maintain a clean, fresh, crisp style. The wine is cold stabilized and gently filtered before bottling.

Vintage Notes
The 2022 vintage in Washington State was characterized by a cooler-than-average growing season, resulting in a late harvest with above-average yields. The vintage produced wines with higher natural acidity, lower sugars, wonderful balance, and beautiful fruit expression. Despite challenges during the growing season, including a cold and snowy April and high mildew pressure, ideal late-season ripening conditions in the fall contributed to excellent fruit balance and flavor development.

Accolades
L'Ecole N° 41 has been recognized as a Top 100 Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine seventeen times. The winery has also received several international awards, including the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in the World from Decanter in 2014 for their 2011 Estate Ferguson, and the Best New World Bordeaux Blend at the Global Fine Wine Challenge in 2022 for their 2019 Estate Perigee.