Wine of the Week: Masset Winery 2012 Rosato Yakima Valley

The heat of summer is beginning to roll hot and heavy through the Columbia Valley. Deal with it by tempering that oppressive heat with a lovely glass of Masset Rosato.

Last week I went wine tasting with friends old and new in Zillah, Washington. We stopped at several boutique wineries and were introduced to many lovely wines. My new friend Summer is a local, Summer took us to one of her favorite local wineries, Masset Winery.

The list of Masset wines.

Summer ordered a glass of the Rosato, a lovely dry rose, while the rest of us did a full tasting. When I sampled the Rosato I knew instantly that it would be a huge hit with my wife. I purchased a bottle for home, which was opened the next day. My wife loved it and wants more. I see a road trip back to the winery in the near future.

Tasting notes:

Color: Gorgeous color, bright, clear, strawberry red.

Masset Rosato.

Nose: Soft strawberry, rhubarb, cherry and a floral note.
Palate: Cherry juice pop, strawberry, deep core of fluid flavor, cherry, graphite, reminded me of a frozen treat, not sweet, fruity, acid, dry, hint of citrus. Talk about child hood memories in a glass of wine.

This Rosato was all about summer for me; memories of running after a musical truck, laughter, running in and out of the wading pool, lying down on the sidewalk in the sun, a favorite refreshment in hand - Masset Rosato. Life is good. Only 50 cases were produced of this lovely Rosato. I suggest buying sooner than later. Recommended.

Blend: 48% Cinsault, 36% Counoise, 16% Mourvedre
Closure: natural cork
ABV: 12%
Paid: $17 at winery
Production: 50 cases
Winemaker: Greg Masset

Masset Winery
620 East Parker Heights Road
Wapato, WA 98951
509-877-6755
www.massetwinery.com

Open for regular tasting Thursday through Monday. Hours are 2-5 Thursday and 11-5 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. See original Art on display at the winery.

Masset Winery came about as a way for Executive Chef Greg Masset and his artist wife Michaela to showcase the wonderful wines that the Yakima Valley is capable of producing. Greg makes the wines from grapes that he hand selects (from well established hillside vineyards) and Michaela is the artist of the label as well as tasting room director and head of QC. Masset Winery is truly a family effort. Besides his duties at the winery, Chef Greg is also head of the kitchen at the Yakima Country Club.

Cheers

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