Old Vine Rosé of Carignane: A Tribute to California Vineyard History and Provence
At Marchelle Wines, we embrace history, authenticity, and the art of crafting wines that tell a story. Our Old Vine Rosé of Carignane is no exception, born from the legendary Jessie's Grove Vineyard in Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA. This wine is a testament to both the deep roots of California viticulture and our passion for old-world winemaking, drawing inspiration from the delicate yet expressive rosés of Provence, France.
A Vineyard Steeped in Time
Jessie’s Grove Vineyard is a living relic of California’s viticultural past. Established in the late 1800s, these own-rooted, head-trained vines have witnessed over a century of California’s evolving wine landscape. Located in the heart of the Mokelumne River AVA, this site benefits from deep sandy loam soils and the cooling Delta breezes, allowing the field blend of Carignane grapes along with bunches of rare varietals such as Monbadon, Flame Tokay and Alicante Bouche to ripen gracefully while retaining their vibrancy.
These ancient vines yield fruit with a remarkable sense of place—low-yielding yet packed with concentration and depth. They offer an unparalleled complexity that is rarely found in young vineyards, making them the ideal source for our expressive, terroir-driven rosé.
Greg La Follette’s Masterful Touch
Greg La Follette brings his expertise and deep respect for tradition to every Marchelle wine. For our Old Vine Rosé of Carignane, he employed techniques that enhance texture, complexity, and balance while staying true to the varietal’s character.
The grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed, a method that extracts the delicate color and structure from the skins without over-extracting tannins. Fermentation took place at cool temperatures in neutral barrels and stainless steel, preserving the fruit’s purity while adding layers of mouthfeel and nuance. Aged on fine lees with occasional bâtonnage, the wine developed a silky texture, reminiscent of the great rosés of Bandol and Côtes de Provence.
A Return to the Rosés We Love
Rosé is often thought of as a simple summer sipper, but our Old Vine Rosé of Carignane was crafted to evoke something more profound—a transportive experience that recalls afternoons in the sun-drenched villages of Provence. We wanted a rosé that balances freshness with depth, delicacy with structure, and that embodies the spirit of the old-world wines we love.
This rosé is layered with notes of wild strawberries, white peach, citrus zest, and a hint of dried herbs, reminiscent of the garrigue of southern France. The palate is crisp yet textured, with vibrant acidity and a lingering mineral finish, making it a versatile companion to a range of dishes—from fresh seafood and grilled vegetables to Provençal-inspired fare like ratatouille and bouillabaisse.
Experience the Elegance of History
Marchelle’s Old Vine Rosé of Carignane is more than just a wine—it’s a bridge between past and present, between California’s heritage vineyards and the classic wines of Provence. It is a reflection of our deep appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of old vines. We invite you to experience this special wine with us, whether at a private tasting or with friends over a beautifully prepared meal.
Join us in raising a glass to the past, present, and future of winemaking—one sip at a time. Enjoy our fresh new Old Vine Rosé. Available Now while they last for $32