From: Columbia Gorge, OR
Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% of Ovum's "Big Salt" white blend, 2% other varietals
Taste: The 2023 Ovum "Pnk Salt" Columbia Gorge Rosé greets the nose with an alluring bouquet of vibrant cherry jam, green fig, and salted lemon. Upon the first sip, the palate is treated to a medley of perfectly balanced flavors, including ripe red berries, juicy watermelon, and a hint of zesty citrus. The wine's bright acidity and light body provide an invigorating mouthfeel, while the salty finish leaves a lasting, fresh impression. The texture of this wine is refined and elegant, with a notable balance between fruitiness and minerality.
Pairing: This charming rosé is an exceptionally versatile wine, making it an excellent choice for various dishes. Its bright acidity and salty finish complement seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp, ceviche, or a classic bouillabaisse, beautifully (check out the recipe below). The wine also pairs well with light poultry dishes like herb-roasted chicken or a simple turkey and avocado sandwich. Its fruit-driven flavors and refreshing character make it an ideal companion for various salads, especially those featuring goat cheese, strawberries, or a citrusy vinaigrette.
For vegetarian options, consider pairing the 2023 Ovum "Pnk Salt" Columbia Gorge Rosé with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like a Greek salad, tabbouleh, or a mezze platter featuring hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolmas. The wine's acidity and salty finish complement the richness of avocado toast or a Caprese salad. The Rosé's fruity notes and light body make it a delightful partner for a simple, fresh tomato and basil bruschetta. The wine's balanced profile also stands well to mildly spiced vegetarian dishes, such as a vegetable curry or a quinoa-stuffed bell pepper with a touch of chili heat.
Ginger-Mint Grilled Shrimp
By Ali Slagle
About. Ovum, an Oregon-based winery celebrated for its diverse expressions of Riesling, has introduced its first-ever Rosé, the 2023 Ovum "Pnk Salt" Columbia Gorge Rosé. The organic wine, inspired by the beach vibes of Ovum's popular "Big Salt" white blend, promises to enchant wine lovers with its unique and delightful profile.
From a Certified Organic Vineyard. The grapes used in the 2023 Ovum "Pnk Salt" Rosé are sourced from a single certified organic vineyard in the Columbia Gorge region, planted in 1983. This captivating Rosé comprises 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, cold-soaked for 8 hours and lightly pressed. The blend is completed with a 2% addition of Ovum's "Big Salt" white blend, a mix of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Early Muscat, and Sauvignon Blanc, and 2% of “other varietals” not listed. (Either way, it’s delicious!) The wine is produced with minimal SO2, is unfined, and is unfiltered.
About the Producer: Ovum. Ovum was founded in 2011 by husband-and-wife team John House and Ksenija Kostic. After gaining experience working together at Chehalem in the Willamette Valley, the couple explored Oregon's diverse terroirs through the lens of Riesling. Today, they source fruit from vineyards across the state that feature blustery Pacific winds, extreme diurnal shifts, and rocky, well-draining soils.
In the cellar, all Ovum wines follow the same practices: natural fermentations, no additions or subtractions (except for SO2), and extended lees contact of 8-9 months in neutral barrels of acacia and oak, as well as Nomblot concrete eggs. The resulting wines are textured and concentrated, driven by minerality, and framed by unwavering acidity. Ovum's white winemaking is among the most compelling in the Pacific Northwest.