Martin Ray Vineyards and Winery, now located in the Russian River Valley, stands out among California sparkling wine producers with a winemaking legacy that dates back to 1943. Martin Ray took a Burgundian approach to winemaking and was dedicated to crafting single varietal, region specific, terroir drive wines. He also established the famed Mt. Eden property, one of California’s most legendary properties located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winery’s current home, on the edge of the Green Valley AVA in Sonoma, is now located the historic old Martini & Prati Winery, one of California’s oldest and continually operating sites since 1881. The Martin Ray philosophy of crafting “wines of place” is as prominent today as it’s ever been and the current team continues to source fruit from exceptional vineyards throughout California’s premier growing regions. Their unwavering commitment to authenticity, terroir-driven expression, and meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and cellar are just some of the reasons why we love this Brut Rosé is crafted from estate Pinot Noir and select old-vine Chardonnay, grown in the coveted Goldridge soil, renowned for its vibrant acidity and fruit concentration. Hand-harvested and made in the traditional method, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel, blended for balance, and aged for at least three years, resulting in a refined, complex, and energetic sparkling rosé
WHERE IT’S MADE
The Pinot Noir for the 2019 Martin Ray Brut Rosé is 100% estate-grown from the prized sandy loam Goldridge soils of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, Ca. that provide excellent drainage. Combined with a cooler climate, less sun exposure and a longer growing season, this unique terroir contributes to growing Pinot Noir with vibrant acidity and concentrated fruit flavors.
WHO MAKES IT
Led by former tennis professional and entrepreneur, Courtney Benham, who revived the historic Martin Ray brand in 1990 after discovering 1,500 cases of forgotten library wines from the original winemaker in a warehouse in San Jose. The winery is now based in the Russian River Valley, operating out of an historic winery that was built in 1881 and is one of the oldest, continually producing winery sites in the country. Benham and his team continue to honor Martin Ray’s vision and legacy of crafting terroir-driven wines with an approach that emphasizes authenticity, meticulous vineyard sourcing, and a commitment to expressing the unique character and terroir of each vineyard and appellation.
HOW IT’S MADE
Pinot Noir grapes are hand-harvested slightly earlier and vinified using the traditional Champagne method, with primary fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness. After blending and bottling, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation and extended lees aging. The wine is aged for at least 3 years before release, resulting in a refined, pure, complex and elegant sparkling rosé.
HOW IT TASTES
Red fruited and racy, with lifted aromas of fresh raspberry, red cherry, and subtle tangerine citrus notes. The palate confirms the nose along with delicate effervescence and an elegant, creamy, round texture. Vibrant acidity and a mineral salinity provide wonderful structure and freshness. The result is a crisp, refreshing and persistent rosé with lingering, dried strawberry and floral finish.
