Learning about wine to me is more than tasting a new vintage of Cabernet from a tried and true producer, visiting a tasting room for the views, hearing a new story from a wine educator, or sipping an overpriced bottle of Chardonnay just because the owner is a celebrity. A perfect discovery in wine helps me expand my palate through taste, understand a wine region through authentic experiences, or increase my knowledge with fascinating information from the primary source. Frankly, I yearn for unexpected “ah-ha!” moments. All of the aforementioned points occurred recently when I tasted my first Chardonnay Rosé, also known as Pink Chardonnay.
Curious? Chardonnay Rosé is a natural color mutation of our familiar white Chardonnay. This rare pink-berried grape was first identified in the 1900s in Champagne and Burgundy and was found there in scattered vines or in small parcels. Thanks to its inclusion in the French Catalog in 1918, Chardonnay Rosé was able to be officially propagated. My research revealed that this grape is found in Champagne, around the village of Chardonnay in southern Burgundy, and in the Jura, a cool climate region in eastern France. And surprisingly, there is one producer in the United States that cultivates Chardonnay Rosé. Read on.
Photo Credit: Wine Searcher
As of July 31, 2025, Chardonnay Rosé is included in the rules and regulations of the Champagne appellation as a main variety. According to the Champagne Bureau, “this decision marks an important step in promoting the genetic heritage of the Champagne vineyards. Historically, the Champagne appellation has been based on three main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay Blanc. Together, they account for almost all of the grape varieties grown in Champagne. The so-called “minority” grape varieties – Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and now Chardonnay Rosé – cover only 0.5% of the vineyards. The inclusion of Chardonnay Rosé in the specifications underscores Champagne’s commitment to genetic diversity, its plant heritage, and its ability to adapt to climate challenges. Champagne Bureau
Knowing that Chardonnay Rosé is scarce, it took me by surprise when internationally known Rajat Parr, owner and winemaker at Parr Collective in Cambria, California, shared one afternoon that he has plantings of this grape at his winery project, Phelan Farm, located in the cool climate SLO (San Luis Obispo) Coast AVA, close to the Pacific Ocean. Further, Parr explained that these plantings are the only of its kind in the United States. For more about Rajat Parr, please click HERE.
Phelan Farm – Photo Credit: Raisin
“The farming philosophy at Phelan Farm is rooted in preserving and expressing our unique site’s natural state. Through observation and by treating the land with love and respect we ensure that our vines thrive in tandem with the diverse species of microbes, plants, and animals that compose the ecosystem.” Phelan Farm has a farming model that incorporates permaculture, biodynamics and the teachings of inspiring innovators such as Masanobu Fukuoka and Dr. Elaine Ingham. All wines are made with natural yeast and there is no sulfur in the vineyard or cellar. All wines are aged in older barrels of varying sizes and hand bottled with no fining or filtration. For more about Phelan Farm, part of the Parr Collective, please click HERE.
Naturally, I purchased a bottle of newly released Phelan Farm Estate Chardonnay Rosé 2022 from the Parr Collective – a trip to Champagne or the Jura was a bit too far! After chilling, I poured a glass for pairing with baked stuffed salmon and roasted vegetables fresh from the garden. The enticing color was a light orange hue and intriguing aromas of dried orange peel, dried apricot, and rose blossoms wafted from the glass. On the dry, tart palate, moderate acidity lifted notes of grilled peaches and oranges, spice, smoke, and minerality. The savory finish lingered. I poured another glass…
Was each sip of Chardonnay Rosé an “ah-ha!” moment? Absolutely. And I learned a few things along the way.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
