Advancing Frontiers in Sustainable Practices
Chamisal Vineyards and Malene Wines have always embraced sustainability as a guiding principle. We’ve practiced organic farming since 2015 and were pioneers in obtaining Sustainable In Practice (SIP) certification in 2010, a robust evaluation encompassing aspects beyond organic and biodynamic standards, including water and energy efficiency, air quality, and social responsibility. In 2016, we proudly became the second winery to achieve SIP certification for our winery facility.
We’re committed to biodiversity, as demonstrated by our Miyawaki Forest, composed of fallow vineyard blocks replanted with 40-50 varieties of native trees and shrubs. This vital habitat supports pest predators and local wildlife. Furthermore, we’ve dedicated three acres to a community garden in collaboration with Gleanslo, a local nonprofit, providing crops for our local food bank.
Innovative sustainability practices continue to be explored. Winemaker Brianne Engles is trialing different trellising types to potentially facilitate the use of grazing livestock and electric farm equipment for vine care. Furthermore, she’s piloting no-till farming techniques, employing semi-permanent cover crops between vine rows to conserve soil, nutrients, and carbon. At the heart of our operations is a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, reflecting the essence of sustainable business.
2022 Vintage
The 2022 harvest is one of triumph amidst adversity, as we faced the challenges of scarcity and accelerated ripening brought on by drought conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures. Yields were significantly lower than usual, and the intense heat spell that swept across the region during Labor Day weekend further hastened the ripening process. However, Rhone varieties demonstrated their resilience, thriving in the warm conditions and producing outstanding grapes. The remainder of the harvest season was marked by mild, sunny Autumn days, which proved to be a saving grace for the winemakers.
This temperate weather allowed our team to carefully time the picking of grapes, ensuring that each cluster reached its full potential. These exceptional rosés boast concentrated flavors, bright acidity, and an overall sense of harmony that can only be achieved through meticulous care and attention to detail. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dedication and passion can yield truly extraordinary results.
The Serious Side of Rosé: 2022 Old Vine Rosé
We are delighted to share with you our revered Old Vine Rosé, historically crafted from 100% Grenache from our distinguished, low-yielding, 50-year-old vines. This year’s challenging conditions prompted the inclusion of fruit from our neighboring Cinsault block, sharing the same age, soil, and aspect as the Grenache. This bold decision elevates our Rosé, introducing nuanced complexity. The blend delicately balances on the palate, exploring the serious side of Rosé. We have maintained minimal intervention, with a touch of oak and malolactic fermentation, enhancing the body and depth. We recommend treating this Rosé like a high-end aromatic white in food pairing and aging. This is not your average Rosé, but a sophisticated offering with remarkable depth and complexity. We invite you to experience this exciting new blend, defining our commitment to quality and innovation.
Estate Update
As the sun graces us with its warm summer glow, we’re thrilled to present our latest collection of rosé masterpieces. Immerse yourself in the delightful tasting experience awaiting you at Malene Scene this month showcasing a selection of standout rosés: Camp 4 Mourvèdré, Estate Grenache and our newly released Old Vine (two bottles).
Our exclusive club lawn area has been meticulously prepared for your summer visit. With Adirondack chairs and umbrellas arranged for optimal comfort, it’s the ideal spot for unwinding. We’re operational from 12 noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, so we encourage you to reserve your spot ahead of time for a seamless experience. Rest assured, our commitment to accommodating our valued members remains unwavering. We look forward to welcoming you.
As a special perk for our members, our sister property, Chamisal Vineyards, offers two complimentary tastings and a 10% discount on on-site purchases. We invite you to enjoy the breathtaking views from their estate patio. While reservations are recommended, all members will be warmly accommodated.
Events
We’re thrilled to announce a series of exciting events on the horizon! Join us for an engaging mix of tastings, release events, and special gatherings. It’s the perfect opportunity to come together, share our passion for Rosé wines, and create unforgettable memories. We look forward to welcoming you!
Visit our website for the latest event info and stay tuned for updates in newsletters and pre-shipment notifications. And if you love lobster, mark your calendars for Chamisal Vineyard’s annual Lobsterfest on July 19th and 20th. As a Malene member, you’ll receive two tickets at a special price. For more information, please reach out to our Hospitality Manger, Brooke Serafine at Brooke.serafine@malenewines.com
Join us for some serious fun in the sun at these amazing events. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Perfect Pairings
Our Rainbow Trout recipe is the perfect dish to bring along to your upcoming summer festivities. We recommend you pair it with a bottle of our 2022 Old Vine Rosé.
Rainbow Trout with Asparagus and Fresh Herbs
INGREDIENTS
2 large (or 4 small) whole rainbow trout, about 2.5 pounds
Salt and pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
2 lemons cut into thin rounds + 1 lemon cut into wedges for serving
1 shallot or spring onion, minced
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and sliced on the bias into 2 inch pieces
1 pound fresh peas
Flaky salt
Handful mixed fresh herbs: chervil, parsley, and dill
INSTRUCTIONS
Season trout inside and out with salt and pepper, and brush trout skin with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stuff cavity with lemon slices. Set aside while prepping your other veggies.
Preheat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Sauté shallot or spring onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a generous pinch of salt. When shallots are starting to brown, add asparagus and peas to the pan along with a splash of tap water and another generous pinch of salt. Cover and let veggies steam until just-tender.
In the meantime, preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Grill trout 4-5 minutes on a side. Peek into the belly to check that fish is cooked through. Place trout on a serving platter surrounded by sautéed veg. Give the trout a nice squeeze of lemon juice and serve with additional lemon wedges. Top everything with a scattering of fresh herbs, flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pair with our 2022 Old Vine Rosé.
Recipe serves 4.