NOCTILUCENCE
Another delicious Centralas specialty rosé, NOCTILUCENCE is what we call a Rosé Noir. It’s the perfect summer “red” with low alcohol, bright & dark color, and fresh & juicy flavor.
The name means “night shine” and it is a real word, believe it or not. We mean it as nod to those who brighten after dark, and those who choose to shine their light regardless of the darkness in which we may find ourselves.
The artwork on the label tells the story of a young child, old enough that their parents let them stay out just past dark. In the twilight they began chasing fireflies whose flashing light is always just out of reach. Led by wonder, the child is soon out of sight of home and becoming lost in an ominous, but magical, forest of vines. As the fireflies fade, the moon and the stars begin to light the way, and the forest seems to have a light of its own shining from deep within. The child may be lost, but because of it they may find something very, very special.
This was an idea that has been on Adam’s mind for years. In 2021 he commissioned a Filipino artist (@romkun_arts) for the label.
In 2020 we picked organic and biodynamic (as usual) syrah and a bit of grenache grapes, and we picked them early for fresh acidity, and light body.
We make Noctilucence as a true rosé, fermented off skins, but we give it at least 24 hours of soaking on the skins before pressing it off to neutral barrel. That time on skins imparts beautiful color and flavors without the astringency and tannic texture that come from on-skin fermentation.
The result is a rosé that is dark but translucent, 12% alcohol, smooth, fresh, and deliciously easy-drinking.
Noctilucence is unfined and unfiltered, Vegan, Gluten-free, and made naturally with only two ingredients: grapes and a teensie weensie bit of sulfites. And that’s it.
We recommend putting it on the table (or picnic blanket, etc) chilled, but then don’t be afraid of it warming up as you drink it. It seems to taste great at a wide range of temperatures, and it’s fun to taste it and see how it changes as it warms up.
Pairs amazingly with salmon, Indian vegetarian, fried chicken, soul food, pizza, beaches, shade, sunshine, trysts, lightning storms, road trips, swimming holes… actually it would be easier to list the things it doesn’t pair well with.
Here’s to shining your light in the darkness!