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Snowbirds Vintners Debuts Vacation Inspired Wines

by Cassandra Rosen

Snowbirds Vintners announced the addition of a new Rhône-style rosé to their sustainable, American wine portfolio. To date, award-winning Chef Jamie McFadden and veteran winemaker Norm Saley have also produced two sustainably made vintages for Snowbirds - a 2015 Grüner Veltliner, from the Lake Chelan AVA, in Washington, and a 2013 Merlot from the Monterey County AVA, in California.

Inspired by Chef McFadden’s childhood winter vacations to warmer climates, Snowbirds Vintners was created to make food and wine pairings easier and more approachable. The label and look for the brand are whimsical, with a nod to the joy of exploring new tastes and experiences. Snowbirds Vintners wines are available at select retailers, with an SRP of $18 per 750 ml bottle.

Snowbirds motto is, "Vacation Inspired, No Beach Required!', in keeping with their travel themed inspiration.

SNOWBIRDS VINTNERS TASTING NOTES

SNOWBIRDS VINTNERS ROSÉ 2016 is a sustainably produced, bright, fruit forward blend from three Rhône-style grape varietals in the Lake Chelan AVA - Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache.

The wine is a bright coral in color, with aromas of juicy, wild strawberries and rose petal on the nose. Hints of white pepper, melon, and stone fruits are present on the palate, with a medium body and fresh, crisp acidity. Spending five months in stainless steel, Snowbirds 2016 Rosé is a food friendly wine, perfect for pairing with barbecue and Asian inspired foods.

SNOWBIRDS VINTNERS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2015 is pale yellow in color, with bright aromas of green apple, melon, and citrus flower on the nose, as well as hints of stone fruits.

Dry and youthful, flavors of tart green apple, and sweet cucumber are present, along with spicy peppercorn, apricot, and citrus zest. This American made Grüner Veltliner is elegant and grassy, with a medium body, balanced acidity, and crisp minerality. Fermentation was in stainless steel, to allow the natural flavors present in this delicate varietal to shine through. Pair Snowbirds Vintners Grüner Veltliner with crab cakes, poultry, or vegetarian dishes.

SNOWBIRDS VINTNERS MERLOT 2013 from Monterey County AVA, is ruby-violet in color, with a nose of dark berries, vanilla, and baking spice. The palate is fruit forward, with flavors of cherry preserves, plum, and vanilla.

After fermentation was complete, the wine was barrel aged for 19 months in French oak and American oak. Softly tannic with a medium body and smooth finish, Chef McFadden recommends pairing Snowbirds Merlot with pasta Puttanesca or grilled salmon.

For more information about Snowbirds Vintners, please contact wine and spirits agency FK Interactive at vip@fkint.com, or 321-285-6225.


About the Author

Cassandra Rosen - Cassandra Rosen is a veteran wine and spirits consultant, working with startup and emerging brands in the US market. She teaches brand owners how to navigate complex industry compliance, develop strategic marketing tactics, and creates packaging and communication narratives that positively impact their bottom line.

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