Iris Vineyards Rosé Arête "Nothing Added" Brut Willamette Valley 2021

Founded by Oregon natives Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles in the cooler Lorane Valley foothills of the Coast Range, southwest of Eugene, Iris Vineyards planted its estate Chalice Vineyard in 1996, rising to 1,000 feet elevation on deep, well-drained volcanic and sedimentary soils. This elevation and terroir is frankly built for sparkling wine, and winemaker Aaron Lieberman hand-selects specific vineyard blocks for the sparkling program. He also harvests them up to a month earlier than the rest of the estate to lock in the racy acidity that makes bubbles sing.

The Areté label – reserved for Iris's finest traditional method sparkling wines and outstanding vintage still wines – takes its name from the ancient Greek concept of excellence, or the full realization of one's potential. This is their genuine operating philosophy, and Aaron's winemaking approach is defined by a light touch, shepherding the wine through its journey rather than forcing it in any direction. The house style is built around fruit-forward wines with bright acidity and lower alcohol that allow the clearest possible expression of Oregon's native grapes.

The "Nothing Added" designation on this Brut Rosé takes that philosophy to its logical, beautiful conclusion – zero dosage, aka nothing intervening between the fruit and your glass. It’s also made in the méthode traditionnelle – the exact same process used in Champagne – with all riddling, disgorgement, and finishing handled on-site. The Chalice Vineyard's high elevation slows the ripening process, generating longer hang time and a wider diurnal temperature swing that naturally preserves acidity. Even in the slightly warmer 2021 vintage, the wine maintains real tension and freshness that zero dosage can only amplify.

In the glass, it is as charismatic and lively as sparkling wine gets. The nose is arrestingly orange-forward – fresh-squeezed navel orange, orange creamsicle, a whisper of orange soda – before white raspberry, lemon, pink grapefruit, and pickled ginger come rushing in. On the palate, it's fresh and effortless, with persistent bubbles and a clean, dry finish that practically begs for a spicy tuna roll or a plate of Thai food. The retail price on this is $40 – ours is $19, with free shipping on six. Do with that information what you will, but we'd suggest acting quickly!