Margins Wine, a small winemaking project of Megan Bell, a winemaker living and working in the Santa Cruz Mountains, produces low-intervention wines using grapes from underrepresented regions, vineyards, and varietals. Much like people living on the ‘margins of society,’ vineyards can be outcasts too. Most consumers of wine are only familiar with a handful of grape-growing regions and types of wine. Margins draws attention to vineyards and varietals throughout northern and central California that find themselves on the margins without the recognition they deserve.

We have had the pleasure of watching Megan’s growth as a winemaker. Fun and funky in the beginning there was always an impression that these were made by talented hands. Fast forward to now and Megan is making some of the state’s most terrier driven wines that are as poised and complex as they are a joy to drink. This is no small part to the fact that Megan is herself a farmer, cultivating many of the grapes she uses herself. We don't know what it is but these farmers/winemakers, vignerons in French, are often the source of our favorite wines.

Megan makes a bevy of wine, mostly from the Central Coast with a bit from Northern California. The grapes for this exemplary rosé come from an area that straddles both those worlds, the Santa Cruz Mountains. Many of the grapes (Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon) come form the Makjavich vineyard which she proudly farms side by side with Larry Makjavich. The Barbera, which makes up half of the blend, come from the Zayante vineyard which sits in the cold coastal part of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

All of the grapes are pressed whole-cluster separately and then fermented in stainless steel. Once it is blended the wine spends four months resting in neutral French Oak. The result is low in abv but high in aromas and fresh flavors. Crisp as mountain air the aromas of tangerine blossoms, rainier cherry and herbs de Provence dance on the palate with the help of this wine's assertive and mouth watering acidity.

Pool party, day on the river or at the beach, this is a perfect partner. But don't lose sight of the fact that this is an exceptional wine for all sorts of food. Personally, we can't think of a better wine to wash down a plate of fritto misto. Finally, rosé weather has arrived. This is the perfect pairing for the “sweltering” days ahead.

Margins, Santa Cruz Mountains Rosé, 2022 $27.99