EPISODE # 31 JUSTIN ROSE/WINEMAKER ROSEMONT VINEYARDS

Send us Fan MailRosemont Vineyards was established in 2003 by Stephan and Chandra Rose on a farm that had been in the Rose family since 1858.  When Stephan retired as a successful Dow Chemical executive, he was interested in returning to the family farm and get back to land, so to speak.  With the help of a family friend, he was introduced to Lucie Morton the world-famous Ampelographer and Virginia based viticultural consultant and expert. After many meetings with Lucie, she determined that it was a good location and the vineyard was planted.Rosemont has a great mix of both French American hybrids, primarily Chambourcin and Chardonel along with an equal amount of Vinifera like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and some outstanding Syrah. When Stephans son, Justin graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2004 with the help of Lucie Morton he met a Napa well-known winegrower in John Caldwell.  That would lead to him going to Napa Valley College and completing their 2-year program in enology and viticulture in 1-year. He would return to the farm to oversee the completion of the winery in 2006 and become the winemaker for their first vintage in 2007.  This interview provides some insight into winegrowing in the Southern Region of Virginia where there are very few wineries or vineyards.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a). Justin shares his stories of spending time in Napa and being given an opportunity to spend time with John Caldwell along with completing a two-year course at Napa Valley College ub enology and viticulture in a one-year time.  Quite an accomphlishment in and of itself.b). Justin shares the background on the family farm that his Father would decide to retire at and get into the business of wine-growing.c). He also makes it clear he didn't drink much wine before all of this and as a 23 --year-old was introduced to wine through Lucie Morton and her connection to John Caldwell in Napa Valley.d). Justin explains to me how his highly successful Vermouth project began and how much fun he has producing it.e). Equally as interesting is how his Sparkling Wine project began and how unique it is to produce the red wine from Chambourcin and the white sparkling wine from Chardonel.f). Justin makes it very clear that for him and his family it is all about the wine and the quality of the grapes that come from their Estate.Much, much more.  Listen below or read the transcript attached.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com