Libertine Wines -- Lagrein Rosé

I’ve been on the hunt for “cool local wine” and this is exactly what I had in mind. Winemaker Alex Nealy is “producer of neo-natural non-interventionist experimental wines from the Willamette Valley in Oregon.” Lagrein is a northern Italian varietal that apparently does very well in the coastal mountains of the Willamette Valley. This is local natural wine at its best. 136 cases produced.

This is shaping up to be my favorite rosé of the 2024 season. I have a deep admiration for this producer, and while I usually seek a more ‘classic feel’ for my wine club, not everything they create aligns with that. However this rosé strikes the perfect balance, innovative enough to be exciting while remaining very accessible. Super clean, varietally correct, refreshing, and novel. So good.

Grapes: Lagrein 100%

Region: Old Wagon Road Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Good To Know: Single Vineyard Old Wagon Road, Organic, LIVE Certified Sustainable, spontaneous ambient yeast ferment in stainless, unfiltered/unfined, zero additives