Maker: Domaine Berrien, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA
Grape: St. Vincent (per tasting room employee)
Place of origin: Domaine Berrien estate, Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Michigan, USA
Style: Semi-dry rosé
ABV: Unknown.
Purchased for $12 (winery)
Appearance: Dark, almost bloody pink.
Nose: Red currant, allspice, blueberry.
Palate: Mild but full bodied. Semi-dry. Apple, cherry juice, white grape juice.
Finish: Linger tang in cheeks. Raspberry, cranberry juice.
St. Vincent is a grape with a mysterious past. It’s probably a French-American hybrid but its parentage is unknown (Chambourcin/Pinot Noir has been suggested) and nobody seems to care, frankly. It got its start in Missouri and it’s grown widely accross the Eastern US, but not in great volume. It seems to be best at making fruity, semi-dry reds and rosés. It is also used in still or sparkling blends. It’s one of few hybrids grown at Domaine Berrien.
Domaine Berrien is known for their emphasis on Rhone grape varieties (they were the first in Michigan to grow Syrah) and red Bordeaux varieties. They also have their Satin line, consisting of the white blend White Satin and this wine, Pink Satin, affectionately nicknamed Pink Satan by me. Nothing devilish about this wine, though, other than the color. It’s an easy drinking, unchallenging food friendly rosé. If I have a complaint it’s that it’s too mild, but at $12 one shouldn’t be too picky. This is a solid summer porch sipper or hotdog wine. Domaine Berrien’s 2015 Pink Satin is recommended.
Sipology 