Rougette
Napa Valley Grenache Blend
Lively, expressive, and full of charm, Rougette is a fresh take on Napa Valley red wine, inspired by the elegance and energy of Grenache-based blends.
With its name evoking a touch of French flair, Rougette is crafted for those who love wines that are vibrant, versatile, and made for the table.
The Story Behind The Blend
Great winemaking requires both discipline and daring. The courage to follow a plan, and the instinct to seize an opportunity when Mother Nature deals you an unexpected hand. Rougette embodies that spirit of spontaneous creativity.
The name is a playful double entendre. In French, “Rougette” means “Little Red”—a perfect description for this bright, light-bodied wine. But it’s also an unmistakable nod to “Roulette,” the game of chance where fortune favors
the bold. Because with Rougette, no two vintages follow quite the same recipe.
The story begins with Grenache that sun-loving varietal from Mediterranean climates that thrives in California’s Mendocino County. Grenache makes wines that are fresh, vibrant, and gloriously unpretentious. It’s the backbone of legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape from France’s Southern Rhône Valley, but in Jessup’s hands, it becomes something uniquely Californian: a wine for patio dining, spring picnics, and those perfect summer evenings when you want something red but not too heavy.
Here’s where the roulette wheel starts spinning.
When our Grenache grapes arrive at the winery, our winemaker surveys what else is happening around him. Grape skins that have already made wine once—pressed-off from other varietals—still hold secrets. Like steeping a tea bag a second time, these skins carry subtle flavors, spicy notes, deeper colors, and hidden complexities waiting to be coaxed out. The winemaker might find Carignane skins one year, perhaps Petite Sirah or Syrah another. Whatever Mother Nature and the vintage deliver, that’s what goes into the blend. You never know exactly what you’re going to get. That’s the gamble. That’s the art. Since 2014, each vintage of Rougette has been its own unique expression—similar in spirit, different in detail. The Grenache provides the through-line: those bright red fruit flavors, that fresh acidity, that charming drinkability. But the supporting cast of grape skins adds attitude, depth, and personality that varies vintage to vintage. The result is a wine that refuses to take itself too seriously. Fruity and charismatic. Easy-drinking but not simple.
Ready to enjoy right away, yet capable of aging 5–7 years for those patient enough to wait. Delicious at cellar temperature, or slightly chilled on a warm afternoon. This is wine that adapts to the moment rather than demanding the moment adapt to it. Rougette is made for cooking enthusiasts and food adventurers. The spice and earthiness of Grenache make it remarkably versatile, equally at home with American barbecue, Spanish paella, French charcuterie, or vegetarian dishes like caramelized onion tart and stuffed peppers. It’s the wine you open when you’re experimenting in the
kitchen, when friends show up unexpectedly, when the evening calls for something festive but unfussy.
Every bottle of Rougette is a small gamble and a guaranteed win. Because sometimes the best things in life, and wine, come from embracing uncertainty, trusting your instincts, and letting chance add a little magic to the mix.
Place your bet. Spin the wheel. Pour the wine.
Tasting Notes
A vibrant red blend centered around Grenache, offering freshness, energy, and layered complexity.
- Aromas: Strawberry, raspberry, and subtle white pepper
- Palate: Red cherry, cranberry, and hints of baking spice
- Texture: Silky, light-to-medium body with soft tannins
- Finish: Smooth, bright, and refreshing
This is a red wine that leans toward elegance and drinkability rather than weight, making it incredibly versatile.
Perfect Food Pairings
Rougette is exceptionally food-friendly and shines alongside a wide range of dishes, especially those meant for sharing.
Pairs beautifully with:
- Pizza and tomato-based dishes
- Roast chicken or herb-crusted pork
- Grilled vegetables and Mediterranean flavors
- Charcuterie and soft cheeses
- Light pasta dishes and tapas
Its bright acidity and soft tannins make it an easy companion at the table.