Ultramarine Sparkling Rose 2017 750ml

Product Info

93pts Wine Advocate
Medium salmon-pink in color, the 2017 Rosé Heintz Vineyard takes some time to unfurl aromas of crème fraîche, panna cotta, bread dough and grilled peaches. The light-bodied palate is dry, lively and restrained, featuring creamy stone fruit, soft toasty tones and a long, ethereal finish. Give it another year or two in bottle. Drink Date: 2025 – 2035 Published: Jul 06, 2023 Reviewed by: Erin Brooks

Terroir
Crafted by Ultramarine from the esteemed Heintz Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast region of California, the 2017 vintage is a single-vineyard, single-vintage sparkling Rosé. The vineyard site is influenced by coastal fog and cooling Pacific currents, which allow the grapes—predominantly Pinot Noir— to develop both ripeness and retained acidity. In addition, the winemaking team emphasizes low dosage and meticulous vineyard work which elevates the sense of place in this wine.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The 2017 Ultramarine Rosé is composed mainly of Pinot Noir with the remainder being Chardonnay. The wine was aged on its lees in bottle for 40 months, giving enhanced texture and complexity. It is produced with just under five atmospheres of pressure—slightly below the typical 6–6.5 bars used by many traditional method California sparklings. Further to that, the wine sees minimal filtration or intervention: it is bottled unfined and unfiltered, and avoids malolactic conversion to maintain freshness.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Rosé reveals a pale salmon-pink hue with fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with wild strawberry, red cherry, rose petals and citrus rind, layered with brioche, toasted pastry and a mineral seam evoking wet stone. On the palate the texture is luxuriously creamy yet lively—bright red berries and citrus peel meet subtle umami, mushroom undercurrent, and sea-air salinity. The acidity remains crisp and the finish is long, refined and layered with spice, chalk and fresh citrus lingering. One reviewer described it as “elegant yet powerful, its bright fruit layered with more savory tones of toast, pastry and mushrooms.”

Food Pairing & Service
Serve chilled to around 9-10 °C (48-50 °F) in a white or sparkling wine glass with enough bowl to release aromas. Because of the wine’s youth and complexity, allow 15-20 minutes post-opening for the bouquet to open fully. This sparkling Rosé pairs beautifully with sophisticated fare: think seared scallops with citrus-herb butter, salmon crudo with grapefruit and dill, or lobster tail with lemon-infused hollandaise. It also stands up to white-meat dishes such as herb-roast chicken or veal cutlets with mushroom cream, and offers a brilliant pairing with aged goat cheese or Comté. Because of its structure and intensity, it’s also well suited for celebratory moments or special-occasion service.