Varietal(s): Roughly 80% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Carignan
Alc./Vol.: 13.4%
Color: Deep Salmon
Our dry rosé opens with lychee, strawberry, and candied pear, layered with hints of fresh roses. On the palate, it’s refreshingly clean and balanced — light-bodied with low tannins, gentle acidity, and a sneaky little kick from the alcohol. Crisp and tart yet subtly smooth and creamy, it’s the perfect low-stakes Texas rosé for a refreshing summer.
Low drama. High drinkability.
“The Godmother”
Dry Rosé
Meet the Inspiration
Courtney Miller
Every great story has a guiding heart, and for us, that’s Courtney Miller. She’s more than family—she’s our godmother, mentor, and one of the biggest reasons we grew up believing in hard work, faith, and love that overflows. The proof? Her two daughters, Adalyn and Kendyl, are basically our mini-me’s—living reminders of the bond that ties our families together.
Courtney has spent her life shaping young minds, first as a middle school teacher, then as a vice principal, and now as the Director of the Academic Resource Center at The Brook Hill School. Her dedication to her students and her community is unmatched—rooted in faith, intelligence, and an unshakable heart.
She’s the kind of woman who celebrates life’s moments with laughter, warmth, and a glass of rosé or champagne in hand. So, it only felt right to dedicate this wine to her—a tribute to her grace, beauty, and the joy she brings to everyone around her.
Here’s to “Miss Courtney” —the godmother who reminds us that love, like good wine, only gets better with time.
Meet the Grape
Petite sirah - Small name, Big personality
Petite Sirah might sound delicate, but don't let the name fool you — this grape is anything but petite! Originally developed in France during the 1800s, Petite Sirah is actually a grape called Durif, named after the French botanist François Durif. It originated from a crossing between Syrah and a lesser-known French variety called Peloursin. Although it never achieved tremendous popularity in its homeland, Petite Sirah found a welcoming home in California, where it became a favorite among winemakers seeking bold color, strong tannins, powerful structure, and intensely flavored wines. The grape's small berries and relatively thick skins help explain its dramatic color and intense palate. Despite its similar name, Petite Sirah is not simply a smaller version of Syrah, although the two are closely related.
As a red wine, Petite Sirah is a powerhouse in the glass, known for its deep color and concentrated flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and black pepper. At Rio Neches Estate, however, we take a different approach, highlighting the grape's more delicate side. A brief open-air maceration in our barrel room allows us to achieve a beautiful salmon hue while preserving the delicate aromas and freshness we seek in our dry rosé. Every step in crafting "The Godmother" is designed to produce a rosé that is both remarkably smooth and full of character — an inviting wine with a distinctive personality.
