Johan Vineyards “Disco Chicken” Rosé 2020

Johan Vineyards “Disco Chicken” Rosé 2020

Grapes: Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, Zweigelt and a touch of Pinot Noir

ABV: 11%

Region: Van Duzer Corridor, Willamette Valley, OR

Winemaker: Morgan Beck

Viniculture: Demeter Certified Biodynamic

Winemaking: direct pressed rosé, fermented with wild yeast

“raspberry yogurt, violets, and watermelon”

Johan Vineyards is an 85-acre wine estate in Willamette Valley founded in 2005. They’re Demeter-Certified, which means they adhere to the principles of Biodynamic farming. Biodynamic farming goes beyond organic principles to encourage microbial soil health, and working the vineyard according to the phases of the moon and stars. That’s a vast oversimplification, of course. The point is that they practice healthy, regenerative agriculture, which means that the flora and fauna in, around, and under their estate are benefiting from their activities. If you’d like to read more about this agricultural philosophy espoused by Rudolf Steiner, go here. 

Johan’s winemaking is headed up by Morgan Beck, who welcomed her new son at the end of the 2020 harvest (that this rosé comes from). Viticulture at Johan is run by Elise Hansen, and this women’s power-duo has been putting Johan on the map for their excellent wines from meticulously-farmed vineyards. Pinot Noir is a focus since the winery is in Oregon, but there’s now quite a few experimental cuvées made from less-traditional varieties like Zweigelt and Melon de Bourgogne.

This rosé is all about Austrian red grapes. Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and St. Laurent form the core of the blend, with a splash of Pinot Noir to finish. Even though 2020 was a smoky vintage, you won’t find any traces of it in this early-harvested, light-maceration rosé. 

This wine is pure refreshment. It leads with raspberry yogurt, violets, and watermelon. Notes of bright and tangy cranberry give an upbeat, tart surge on the palate. It’s juicy and irresistible. Pair with aglio olio e peperoncino pasta (any lighter, less-saucy pasta will do), a warm spring day, or a plate of charcuterie.