Michigan’s longest-operating winery, St. Julian Winery, has earned additional honors following this year’s THE Rosé Competition. Judges held the event in May at the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club in South Florida. At the competition, St. Julian’s Ciao Bolle received a Double Gold award. In addition, the 2021 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Rosé and the 2021 Braganini Reserve Winemaker Series Blaufränkisch Rosé each earned Silver medals.
Following the judging, organizers hosted a lively fundraising event called Fifty Shades of Pink. The celebration combined wine, food, and entertainment. As a result, the event attracted hundreds of business and wine professionals from across the region.
Ciao Bolle, pronounced “chow bo-lay,” translates to “Hello Bubbles” in Italian. This dry sparkling rosé contains just 0.7 percent residual sugar. The blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Marquette grapes. On the palate, the wine delivers refreshing notes of strawberry, lemonade, and grapefruit.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Rosé offers a light-bodied, dry style. The blend features Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grown at St. Julian’s Mountain Road Estate Vineyard. Aromas include strawberry, red plum, and lemon. Flavors of red raspberry, pepper, and fresh strawberry follow.
In addition, the 2021 Braganini Reserve Winemaker Series Blaufränkisch Rosé presents a medium-bodied profile. The wine shows crisp flavors and bright acidity. Aromas of raspberry and strawberry lead into tart notes of cranberry and fresh berries. This rosé appeals to both red and white wine drinkers and pairs well with duck, berries, or hard cheeses.
“It’s wonderful to see rosé wines receive the attention they deserve, especially as summer approaches,” says Nancie Oxley, Vice President of Winemaking and Head Winemaker at St. Julian Winery. “Ciao Bolle stands out because it combines the delicate color and flavor of rosé with lively bubbles.” She adds, “It truly feels like a celebration in a glass, and we are honored to earn a Double Gold award.”
Established in 2013, THE Rosé Competition set out to identify the world’s most compelling rosé wines. As the first U.S. competition dedicated exclusively to rosé, it continues to draw international attention. This year, a panel of 16 wine educators, journalists, and sommeliers evaluated more than 180 entries.
Wine writer, photographer, and judge Bob Ecker founded the competition to elevate the reputation of fine rosé wines. In 2017, he partnered with Shari Gherman, President of the American Fine Wine Competition. Together, they relocated THE Rosé to South Florida, where it continues to grow. Today, hundreds of domestic and international rosé wines compete for top honors.
Founded in 1921, St. Julian Winery remains family-owned and operated. The winery produces award-winning wines, sparkling juices, spirits, and hard cider at its downtown Paw Paw location. In addition, St. Julian operates tasting rooms in Dundee, Frankenmuth, Rockford, Troy, and Union Pier. The winery also distributes its products to thousands of retail partners throughout the Midwest.
