Unti’s vineyard was founded in 1990 and the winery in 1997.
It is owned and operated by George, Linda, and Mick Unti. Mick manages all winemaking, sales and marketing for the winery. Sébastien Pochan is the winemaker.
My first exposure to Unti was 3 or 4 years ago on a trip to California. We were at Ridge and they recommended we stop at Unti. I ended up buying more wine at Unti than at Ridge.
I am especially fond of their Petite Sirah — and most of their wines are a very good value as well.
The are located in Dry Creek Valley and have about 60 acres under vine. They grow Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, Barbera, Montepulciano, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc and Vermentino.
They produced 6,800 cases of wine in 2006.
Their rosé is 65% grenache and 35% mourvedre. Pink with a slight hint of gray in color. A little flat on the aromatics, but some white flowers, strawberry and pepper on the nose. Raspberry, rose water and black pepper on the palate. A full bodied and complex rosé with some spice (and a little bit of heat), nice acidity and a crisp finish.
Interesting to note that the clones for the grenache were purchased from Tablas Creek and Alban Vineyards. Unti states that these clones, originally selected from Chateauneuf du Pape, give darker color and better structure than the majority of Grenache planted in California.
$16-18 a bottle. 14.3% alcohol. 450 cases produced. This may not be at the top of my rosé list, as I think there are better options for the dollar; however, it is a very nice rosé — and I will continue to buy it in coming vintages. I would probably opt to serve this with food — and something quite substantial given the weight, complexity and spice.
