26-06-2025
Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé, Why Saignée Method Wines Stand Out
Close up of two women toasting with rosé wine. getty
Over the past decade, Oregon has emerged as a significant producer of rosé wine. In 2024, wineries produced over 500,000 cases of rosé, with approximately 300,000 cases crafted from Pinot Noir, ranking Oregon third among U.S. rosé producers. I recently explored Oregon Pinot Noir rosés made by the Saignée method to see why this style consistently delivers standout quality. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on select examples.
Rosé wines typically range from light red to pink to salmon, but color alone doesn't define a rosé. Surprisingly, there's no strict standard: the most accepted definition is wine made from red grapes processed like white wine, with little or no skin contact. By this definition, even white wines made from red grapes, such as still white Pinot Noir or sparkling Blanc de Noir, technically count as rosé. Deeply colored wines can also qualify as rosé if skin contact was brief.
There are four primary rosé production methods: Direct pressing — gently presses red grapes, extracting minimal color for the palest rosés; the most common method. Minimal skin contact — juice soaks with skins for a few hours, gaining slightly deeper color and flavor than direct press. Saignée — 'bleeds' off juice during red wine fermentation, intensifying the remaining red wine and producing a darker, more structured rosé from the drawn-off juice. Blending — mixing red and white wines; widely discouraged for still rosé but common for sparkling wines.
Moreover, grapes specifically grown for rosé are often harvested at 4–5 tons per acre and picked at a lower Brix level (~21°) to achieve higher acidity but less flavor intensity. In contrast, Saignée rosé utilizes premium Pinot Noir, which is cropped at a lower rate of 2.5–3 tons per acre and harvested at a higher ripeness level (~23–24° Brix), resulting in more fruit-forward flavors, with higher alcohol by volume (ABV) and a firmer backbone.
On the spectrum from white to red, direct pressing and minimal skin contact produce light, crisp, floral styles with orchard fruits and bright acidity, which stylistically are closer to white wines. Saignée rosés and wines with more prolonged skin contact tend to lean more red-wine-like, featuring deeper color, bolder red fruit, a clear tannic backbone, and a structure that can benefit from bottle aging. They shine with food and effortlessly bridge white and red pairings.
Below is a closer look and tasting notes for standout Oregon Pinot Noir rosés made by the Saignée or comparable methods. All bottles are 750 ml. McCollum Heritage 91, 2023 Rosé, 13.1% ABV $35
Founded by NBA star CJ McCollum, Heritage 91 showcases small-lot Oregon wines crafted in partnership with Adelsheim Vineyard, focusing on expressive, site-driven Pinot Noir and vibrant rosés.
Pale salmon pink. Bursting with aromas of wild strawberry, nectarine, watermelon rind, and rose petals. A lively palate with fresh raspberry, white peach, and a hint of citrus. Crisp acidity and a dry, refreshing finish. Domaine Serene, R Rosé Wine, 13.5% ABV $39
Domaine Serene, one of Oregon's most prestigious Pinot Noir estates, crafts this elegant multi-vintage rosé as a refined, food-friendly expression from their high-elevation vineyards.
Delicate pink hue. Nose of wild strawberries, raspberries, red currant, and rose petal. Silky mouthfeel with notes of tart cherry, white nectarine, and a hint of minerality. Bright, clean acidity leads to a graceful, dry finish.
Row of Pinot Noir grapes prior to harvest in the Willamette Valley of Oregon getty Fifty-One Weeks, 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir, 13.5% ABV $25
A boutique winery known for small-batch, minimal intervention wines, Fifty-One Weeks highlights fresh, expressive fruit from select Willamette Valley sites.
Light pink. Aromas of fresh raspberry, cranberry, and floral notes. The palate is juicy and lively with flavors of strawberry, red apple, and a touch of citrus zest. Zippy acidity makes it vibrant and food-friendly. Domaine Roy & Fils, 2024 Rosé, 12.5% ABV $50
Domaine Roy & Fils produces organic Pinot Noir, emphasizing the purity of fruit and terroir. Their rosé is a crisp, elegant reflection of estate Pinot fruit.
Pale coral. Aromas of wild berry, rhubarb, and hints of grapefruit and peach. On the palate, fresh red cherry, juicy melon, and stony minerality. Bright acidity balances a dry, textured finish. Sweet Cheeks Winery, 2024 Dry Rosé, 13.5% ABV $26
Sweet Cheeks Winery, based in the southern Willamette Valley, is loved for approachable, vibrant wines. This dry rosé is a picnic classic.
Pale pink. Nose of ripe strawberry, cherry blossom, and citrus peel. Crisp and refreshing with flavors of watermelon, raspberry, and a clean, tangy acidity. Dry and quenching on the finish. Van Duzer, 2024 Pinot Noir Rosé, 12.7% ABV $26
Van Duzer Vineyards benefits from the strong coastal winds, which contribute to the structure and freshness in their wines. Their rosé is known for lively acidity and pronounced aromatics.
Light salmon color. Fragrant with notes of wild strawberry, rose petals, and a hint of grapefruit. Lively palate of fresh red berries, watermelon, and bright citrus. Zesty, mouthwatering finish.
Mid-summer picnic with rosé wine and snacks. getty King Estate, 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir, 13.5% ABV $20
King Estate, one of Oregon's largest organic estates, has a loyal following for its classic Pinot Noir and vibrant rosés.
Light pink hue. Aromas of strawberry shortcake, peach, and citrus blossom. The palate offers juicy strawberry and raspberry notes, with hints of white peach, supported by crisp, refreshing acidity and a clean, dry finish. Meadows Estate, 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé, 13% ABV $27
A classic estate Pinot Noir, expressing the sites pure fruit and balanced structure. An excellent example of a Saignée method rosé, featuring a distinctive tannic structure and backbone.
Medium ruby. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthiness. On the palate, ripe red berries, hints of clove, and silky tannins. Bright acidity and gentle oak spice lead to an elegant finish. Meadows Estate, 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé, 13% ABV $27
A younger, fresher vintage Pinot Noir, showcasing lively red fruit and soft tannins.
Bright ruby red. Aromas of red cherry, cranberry, and floral notes. Juicy palate with notes of raspberry, cherry, and a hint of spice. Light tannins and vibrant acidity keep it fresh and youthful.
Although not crafted from Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon produces excellent rosés from Grenache and Tempranillo grapes. Below is a standout rosé crafted by Abacela from Grenache. Abacela, 2023 Grenache Rosé, 12.3% ABV $20
While Abacela is famous for pioneering Tempranillo in Oregon's Umpqua Valley, they also craft a crisp, Spanish-inspired Grenache rosé.
Pale salmon. Aromas of wild strawberry, white peach, and citrus blossom. On the palate, fresh watermelon, red currant, and a splash of zesty lime. Crisp acidity and a bright, dry finish.
These rosé wines are outstanding. They are heftier than typical rosé wines, more fruit forward with a more distinct tannic structure. That makes them excellent food pairing wines, which also work well as an aperitif and are ideal for summertime. If you like rosé, these wines, all very reasonably priced, are worth exploring. More From Forbes Forbes The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's 50 Best Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Best White Wines Under $10, According To The Top Wine Competitions By Joseph V Micallef
