Terre Rouge Roussanne 2010
The flavors are layered with citrus and mid-palate cardamom notes, adding a touch of spice to the overall profile.
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The Terre Rouge Roussanne 2010 from the Monarch Mine Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills is a wine that captivates with its complexity and elegance. In the glass, it displays a golden yellow hue.
The nose is rich with buttery, oaky vanilla aromas, where the fruit takes a backseat to the oak1. On the palate, this light-bodied wine reveals medium-plus tannins and a medium finish.
The flavors are layered with citrus and mid-palate cardamom notes, adding a touch of spice to the overall profile. The wine’s texture is smooth, and it carries a balanced acidity that enhances its drinkability.
The Terre Rouge Roussanne 2010 is produced with great care and traditional methods. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, which helps to preserve the purity and complexity of the fruit. The wine undergoes barrel fermentation, which contributes to its rich and creamy texture. Following fermentation, the wine is aged sur lie (on the lees), which adds depth and a silky mouthfeel.
The wine is then bottle-aged for two years before release, allowing it to develop its characteristic aromas and flavors. This aging process enhances the wine’s minerality and honeyed notes, making it a well-balanced and elegant expression of Roussanne
Terre Rouge wines, founded in 1985 by Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan in California’s Sierra Foothills, are renowned for their Rhône varietals. The name “Terre Rouge” means “Red Earth,” reflecting the region’s red volcanic soils. Known for exceptional Syrah, Grenache, and Roussanne, Terre Rouge has earned acclaim, including a perfect 100-point rating for their Ascent Syrah. Their dedication to quality and innovation has made them a respected name in the wine world.
Roussanne
Roussanne is a white wine grape originally from the Rhône Valley in France. Its name comes from the French word “roux,” meaning reddish-brown, which describes the grape’s russet-colored skin when ripe. Roussanne is known for its bright floral aromas and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of stone fruits like peach and pear, as well as honey, chamomile, and spices.
This grape thrives in warm climates, producing rich, full-bodied wines with a silky texture and good acidity. However, it is notoriously difficult to grow due to its susceptibility to mildew, rot, and uneven ripening. Despite these challenges, Roussanne is highly valued for its ability to add elegance and aromatic complexity to wine blends, particularly when paired with Marsanne
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The Country
The United States boasts a rich tapestry of wines, reflecting its vast and varied terroir. Winemaking in the U.S. dates back to the early European colonists and has overcome challenges such as Prohibition in the 1930s. Today, it’s the 4th largest wine producer globally, with California leading at 90% of the country’s output. The Golden State is known for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, while Oregon excels in Pinot Noir and aromatic whites. Washington State offers fruity reds with sweet-tart acidity, and New York is gaining fame for its Riesling and Merlot-based blends. The U.S. wine scene is characterized by its pioneering spirit and the pursuit of winemaking excellence, with every state contributing to its dynamic wine culture
The Region
Stretching along the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the Sierra Foothills wine region boasts a history rooted in the 1849 Gold Rush. Revitalized in the 1970s, this vast AVA is known for its diverse terroir, with vineyards at varying elevations (1,000-3,000+ feet) experiencing warm days and cool nights, leading to balanced, flavourful wines. Soils range from granite to volcanic rock, often supporting dry-farmed old vines.
The star of the Sierra Foothills is undoubtedly Zinfandel, especially from historic old vines, producing rich, spicy reds. The region also excels with Rhône varietals like Syrah and Grenache, robust Italian grapes such as Barbera, and increasingly, characterful white wines. Home to many small, family-run wineries, the Sierra Foothills offers a taste of California’s pioneering spirit with wines of genuine character and depth.
The Producer
Terre Rouge wines, founded in 1985 by Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan in California’s Sierra Foothills, are renowned for their Rhône varietals. The name “Terre Rouge” means “Red Earth,” reflecting the region’s red volcanic soils. Known for exceptional Syrah, Grenache, and Roussanne, Terre Rouge has earned acclaim, including a perfect 100-point rating for their Ascent Syrah. Their dedication to quality and innovation has made them a respected name in the wine world.


















