Mike Lucia started Rootdown in 2014 with a focus on the obscure grapes of California - Trousseau, Sangiovese, and other oddballs farmed organically in single sites. The St. Amant Vineyard in Amador County is one of the first sites Lucia worked with, and the Trousseau here (originally introduced to California as the Portuguese Bastardo in 1981) is planted on Honcut soils on gently sloping alluvial fans. Pressed gently and treated like a serious wine, this rose drinks pale, dry, and earthy - watermelon and pear up front, a subtle savory note on the finish. The kind of pink wine that rewards drinking, not just sipping.