June 2018 Domestic Wine: 2017 Day Owl Rose, Central Coast, California
Fine Wine Source Wine
June 2018
O’Neil Vintners & Distillers:
O’Neil Vintners is a leading California producer of premium brands, bulk wine, brandy, and spirits. O’Neill Vintners was founded in 2004 by Jeff O’Neill, former CEO of Golden State Vintners and third generation member of a California winemaking family with industry roots dating back to 1934. From grape supply through wine processing to bottling services, O’Neill is recognized as the preferred outsourcing partner for national retailers and some of the largest adult beverage brands in the world. Today, O’Neill Vintners has grown to become the 7th largest winery in California and has earned a reputation as one of the premier commercial wine producers in the business. O’Neill Vintners boasts a highly skilled, experienced winemaking and production staff of industry veterans. By combining modern winemaking techniques with traditional artisan craftsmanship, our winemakers monitor every detail to ensure that our wines will always over-deliver on the desired taste profile. We set high benchmarks for quality, and back up these standards by consistently producing award-winning wines across our full portfolio.
About Day Owl:
Launched in January of 2017 with the 2016 Vintage, Day Owl Rose is one of the newest additions to the O’Neil portfolio. The brand is targeting the younger, emerging Rose drinker and riding the wave of popularity that has been surging with California Rose wines. Rose is the fastest growing niche in the ultra-premium wine market of North America (yes, that includes our Canadian Neighbors!), seeing an almost 50% growth rate. Pressed with minimal skin contact, Day Owl is a light and bright Barbera Rosé, featuring juicy fruit flavor thanks to cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Fruit is sourced from select vineyards in Madera County, and the Central Coast. This crisp, medium bodied Barbera Rosé radiates with floral red fruit and vibrant orange zest vibes. Lively acidity and a dry, elegant finish make for a bold bottle as alluring as the day is long. Barbera is a low tannin grape where we have pressed off the skins prior to fermentation to maximize the acidity. It is a popular red Italian wine grape and a great rosé base due to its acidity. When picked early it has light color and low tannins. Barbera’s fruit aromatics are perfect for rosé production. Day Owl Rosé is 81% Barbera and includes 8% Grenache, 4% Chenin Blanc (non Rhone), 3.5% Cinsault and 2% Syrah. These additional varietals add a light berry and fruit aromatic while maintaining fresh acidity and adding weight to the mid-palate.
Varietals:
81% Barbera 8% Grenache 4% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol:
12%
Tasting Notes:
Floral notes, fresh fruit, and orange zest aromas on the nose, this medium bodied rose is bright and citrusy on the palate. A great wine for day drinking and patio pounding on a warm summer’s day!
Food Pairings:
Pair with barbecued chicken, watermelon and mint salad, Greek Salad, cold Thai sesame noodles, Sushi, or fresh fish tacos.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts:
Rich and vibrant Rose!! Great mouth feel with a silky finish! Best served with oily fish and any antipasti.