2017 Rosa Fierro Primitivo – A Virtual Visit To Spain
The Winery
Rosa Fierro opened Rosa Fierro Cellars in 2014 and recently left her full time job and career as a legal assistant to concentrate 100% on the winery. “Rosie” as she is called, had worked in tasting rooms, made port in her garage and eventually worked with many of Livermore’s better winemakers at a production facility in Livermore. The winery is 100% woman owned and operated with women staff. Rosie specializes in hand crafted, limited production wines. Her grapes come from both Livermore and Napa Valleys. One of the key points of her winemaking is selecting the best grapes in the vineyard. Each varietal is limited to 50-200 cases. Those wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay (both oaked and unoaked versions), Merlot, a Rosé (from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes), Zinfandel, Primitivo, a Red Blend and her latest being the Cabernet Franc. Her total production is approximately 1,000 cases. She has won many awards in a relatively short time. The tasting room is located at 2245 South Vasco Road, Livermore. The backgrounds on her and her staff on the website are especially creatively done! Rosie’s other passion is photography and her pictures adorn each unique label.
The 2016 Primitivo
This was such a refreshing Primitivo wine. On the eyes a lush deep crimson color and medium body. On the nose aromas of spices and typical earthiness of Primitivo. On the palate, plums, figs and coupled with brown sugar. Blackberry with bramble and pipe tobacco round out the fullness of the ruggedly soft Tempranillo. The finish provides a long and elevated spiciness and a distinct oak flavor. Alcohol level is a whopping 17% and only 75 cases were produced. This was a Gold Medal Winner at the 2020 San Francisco Chronical Wine Competition. Price is $32.
The Food and Wine Pairing
This evening pairing was with a homemade Bolognese sauce over rigatoni pasta. Thinly sliced smoked chicken sausage with habanero and green chili provided a perfect backdrop and balance with the Primitivo wine. The meal reminded me of a meal in Spain!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 