CHOOSE ONE:
ROAR SIERRA MAR PINOT NOIR AND ROSELLAS SLH PINOT NOIR  (SUSTAINABLE)

Driving on the 101 south of the San Francisco Bay is Monterey County, home to the farmlands of the Salinas Valley, the “lettuce capital of the world.” In the wake of Napa’s success, Monterey was extensively planted with vines. A foggy gap in the mountains, which runs perpendicular to the coast (west to east), allows warm air at the southwestern end of the valley to pull in the cool ocean air downstream. The mere 18 mile stretch of the Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the smallest major Pinot Noir regions in the world.

The grape thrives, enjoying some of California’s longest growing seasons and one of the longest hang times for Pinot.

The Franscioni family’s ROAR vineyards lie in the heart of the appellation. Founder Gary is a third generation farmer in the region who decided to put land under vine in the 90s. Owning and farming their own vineyard sites allows the family to have a hands on approach every step of the way.

As stewards of the land, all of the ROAR vineyards are SIP Certified, a rigorous certification for sustainable practices.

It is truly a family venture. Gary’s sons Adam and Nick manage the vineyard and winery respectively, while daughter Tamara manages special events at the estates.  Rosella’s Vineyard, named after Gary’s wife, is the home ranch, oldest site, and the northernmost estate. It produces wine medium in body with a supple texture, showing an enticing bouquet of red cherries, potpourri, and a touch of cocoa.

On the other hand, the Sierra Mar estate is the southernmost and highest elevation plantings. The southeast-facing exposure, cool climate, thin gravelly loam and granite soils create a plush wine. Displaying dark mountain berries and spice with a backbone of minerality, it is a delicate and sophisticated wine.