BLENDING CLASSIC FRENCH SOPHISTICATION WITH BOUNDARYPUSHING SWAGGER, THIS BALANCED BLUSH WINE IS ON A PURSUIT TO PROVE ROSÉ IS NO LONGER A SUMMER-ONLY SENSATION

BY TIA KIM

In 2015, the rosé category was on the brink of a massive propulsion. While the wine industry at large would only grow 1.5% in volume over the next five years, sales of the blush-tinted expression would swell 118%, per the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. The timing was fortuitous for childhood friends turned spirits venture partners Craig Hetherington and Paul Governale, who officially launched Notorious Pink in 2015, a soft, semi-dry rosé with an impressive pedigree plus a kiss of rebellion. Born in the hills of the South of France at Domaine la Colombette, a fifth-generation family estate, Notorious Pink follows the same rigorous guidelines as many of the world’s most distinguished labels. The Grenache grapes – the region’s leading varietal are 100% estate grown, and every process from fermentation to bottling and packaging is performed on site. Here, time-tested techniques reign supreme: mature grapes are bled while the younger fruits are pressed, and the musts are fermented at low temperatures.

But a strict adherence to the rules isn’t what garnered legions of loyal #NotoriousPink self-appointed ambassadors on social media or a spot in celebrity-frequented haunts like Hampton Social or TAO. In fact, like its name suggests, Notorious Pink was designed to flirt with boundaries. It embraces its pale pink color, lending floral orange blossom on the nose with a bouquet of crisp melon, raspberry, sweet cherry, pear, and peach on the palate. The finish is gentle with balanced minerality, less dry than typical French rosé, marked by stewed apples and subtle spice. The wine has been a magnet for industry awards since its grassroots launch seven years ago, including one double gold and five gold medals from Top Fifty, two “judge’s favorite” recognitions, 91 points from the Tasting Panel, and a globe spanning cult following. notoriouspink.com