April 30, 2021 (Napa, Calif.) – Katnip® Wines announces the release of its 2020 vintage of Katnip Rosé, a unique blend of Mourvèdre and Tempranillo grapes inspired by wines from Bandol, France. The hot, dry Napa climate, similar to that in Provence, yields grapes with intense aromatics and ripe, harmonious flavor concentration.
Katnip Rosé’s juicy tropical fruit notes (papaya, mango, passionfruit), silky texture, vibrant acidity, nice length and crisp finish make it a delicious beverage all on its own—and with a wide range of cuisines.
While Katnip Wines started production in 2016, the real journey began long before. Founder and owner Katie Pratt brings a background of wine, food, and art and extensive experiences that feed into the spirit of Katnip Wines.
“Life has a way of circling back on itself,” Pratt says. “My parents gave me a strong foundation in wine and food—Dad taught me so much about wine, and Mom was a fantastic cook and foodie. And they were very close friends with Julia and Paul Child. When I was sharing a meal at their home, Paul would take me to his wine cellar to select a wine. While we sipped it, we’d discuss how to see, smell, taste and experience the wine.”
In the ‘80s and ‘90s Pratt immersed herself in the California wine and food world. Through Julia Child, Pratt became involved in the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF), founded in 1981 by Child, Robert Mondavi and Richard Graff. The AIWF is one of the few national organizations with the unique combination of dedicated wine and food enthusiasts and professionals.
One thing led to another, and through AIWF Pratt connected with Richard Graff, owner of the Chalone Wine Group. Eventually, Pratt worked for Graff in Sonoma at his Carmenet Winery, part of his Chalone Wine Group.
In addition, Pratt worked with The Organic Wine Co. (Founded by Veronique Raskin) and the Organic Grapes into Wine Alliance (OGWA) group which was establishing sustainable/organic categories in the U.S. for certifying wines and winemaking practices. Pratt also co-authored the highly acclaimed “France is a Feast: The photographic Journey of Paul and Julia Child”.
“These threads, which at the time may have seemed unrelated, had an underlying interconnectedness with what I create today,” Pratt adds. “They gave me the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to take the next step: Katnip Wines.”
Katnip Wines is in the process of increasing its production. Pratt expects to harvest in the fall with a spring 2022 bottling date of the 2021 vintage.
Technical Details
Harvest: 22 Brix
Blend: Mourvèdre, Tempranillo (destemmed) Pressing: Whole cluster
Fermentation: Cold fermented at 60 degrees F. Aging: 6 months in stainless steel barrels Perceived Sweetness: dry, 13.3% alcohol Cases Produced: 50