Land Mass Wines ‘Heavy Glow’ Sparkling Rosé, Columbia Gorge, Oregon 2024

Land Mass Wines works with organically and sustainably farmed sites across the Pacific Northwest, crafting small-lot wines that highlight place, texture, and drinkability. Their sparkling rosé “Heavy Glow” comes from the windy basalt bluffs of the Columbia River Gorge, where high-elevation, dry-farmed vineyards deliver freshness, tension, and minerality.

• WINEMAKERS: Melaney Schmidt and Malia Myers

• FARMING: Organic and sustainable (site-dependent)

• VARIETY: 34% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Gris

• TERROIR: Underwood Mountain, Columbia Gorge; dry-farmed vineyards at 1,400–2,000 feet; basalt soils; extremely windy conditions contribute to natural freshness and slow ripening.

• VINIFICATION: Pinot Noir raised in stainless steel with partial malolactic fermentation; Chardonnay and Pinot Gris raised in neutral oak without malolactic fermentation. Bottled with forced carbonation at 4 vol/liter and a touch of 3 g/L residual sugar.

• AGING: Short élevage in steel and neutral oak before bottling.

• TASTING NOTES: Pale pink hue. Crisp and lively with aromas of honeydew melon, vanilla biscuits, pears, and bright minerality. The palate is brisk and refreshing, with a fine mousse, juicy red fruit, and a clean, slightly saline finish.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Smoked salmon, sushi, fried chicken, summer salads, or tinned trout with dill.