Saignée Rosé 2021, JSL Wines

Don't let the name fool you, this wine is actually named after the winemaker's daughter, not the saignée method of winemaking. The saignée method, meaning “to bleed” in French, is a winemaking technique primarily used to create rosé. During the early stages of red wine fermentation, a portion of the juice is “bled” off from the grape must after limited skin contact, resulting in a rosé with a richer color and more intense flavor. This process serves a dual purpose: it produces a bolder, fuller-bodied red wine by increasing the ratio of skins to remaining juice and creates a concentrated rosé with vibrant fruit flavors and a delicate, fresh character.

But that is not how this wine is made! This 100% direct-to-press (meaning it was destined to be a rosé from the start) rosé offers an expressive fruity nose with aromas of strawberry and citrus along with herbal and floral notes followed by a fresh burst of tangerine. On the palate, it shows a rich, perfect balance of acidity and freshness where orange zest, lemon peel and hints of ripe strawberry combine with a bright, crisp mouth feel and a round, silky finish.

Wine Composition: 40% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 25% Carignane, 10% Cinsault 

About the Winery

JSL Wines is a partnership between Black winemaker, Joseph Smith, and his wife, Lorraine, along with their daughter Sanaya Saignée. Born and raised in Belize, Joseph came to California for a construction job that happened to be at a winery. It was there that he tasted wine for the first time and, before he knew it, found his calling and passion.

Joseph has now been making wine for 23 years. Many of his wines have been highly acclaimed, award winning wines. Joseph has been featured in both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines, and is the first Lodi winemaker to have a wine appear in Wine Spectator's “Top 100” (December 2020).

From 2008 to present Joseph has been the winemaker for Klinker-Brick Winery. From 2001 to 2008, Joseph worked as the righthand man in Barry Gnekow’s wine consulting practice. During those years, he worked with Michael David Winery (Lodi), Hahn Family Wines (Santa Lucia Highlands), Roger and Rogers (Napa Valley), and many others. Joseph’s work with wineries and grape growers throughout California has given him the opportunity to make wine from Lodi, the Central Coast and North Coast, as well as Sonoma and Napa Valley’s best known AVAs.

JSL is a culmination of Joseph’s many years of experience making award winning wine that appeals to tasting panels and every day consumers alike.