Vineyards

We source our Rolle - also known as Vermentino - from Camp 4 Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. Camp 4 Vineyard was planted to Rhone varietals by Fess Parker and is now owned by the Chumash Indian tribe. It has become one of the top sources for Rhone grapes in the Santa Ynez Valley. The vineyard is planted on sandy loam soils, ideal for these naturally vigorous varietals, and experiences cool afternoon breezes blowing east from the Pacific through the Santa Rita Hills.

Winemaking

The grapes for our Rolle are hand-picked and sorted in the cool evenings of harvest. They are then carefully transported to our winery in temperature controlled trucks. The majority of the fruit is whole cluster pressed into a Nomblot concrete egg and undergoes a long, slow fermentation. Following the yeast fermentation the wine is put through partial malolactic fermentation to impart complexity and a round mouthfeel. The wine was aged on its lees in the concrete egg for five months.

Food Pairing

Malene Rolle can be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods. Its layered versatility allows for pairing with both light and heavier dishes, including:

Mediterranean
Grilled Sardines; Grilled Octopus; Salad Niçoise; Tuna Carpaccio; Fritto Misto; Spaghetti alle Vongole

Chinese
Kung Pao Chicken; Shrimp Fried Rice; Pork Lo Mein; Long Beans with XO Sauce

Mexican
Fish Tacos; Crab Ceviche; Fresh Guacamole; Grilled Chicken Fajitas

California
Grilled Shrimp Skewers; Crab Cakes; Fresh Oysters; Pesto Pasta; Artichoke Dip