2025 SMAK Spring Rose, Walla Walla AVA, Washington

Fiona S. Mak grew up in Hong Kong, lived in the south of France, and then chose Walla Walla, Washington as the place to build her winery. That biography alone tells you something about the kind of winemaker she is — curious, internationally grounded, and not interested in making the wine everyone else is already making. Fiona became one of the first Asian women to own and operate a winery in Washington State, and she built SMAK Wines around a single, focused philosophy: craft single-varietal rosés that capture elegance and seasonal freshness while celebrating diversity and innovation in the wine industry. Not a blend. Not a compromise. One grape, expressed as a rosé, done exceptionally well.

The Spring Rosé is made from 100% Sangiovese — the grape most closely associated with Chianti and the red wines of Tuscany, here pressed gently and vinified as a rosé in the style of Provence. The result is exactly what the name promises: delicate pale salmon in color, opening with aromas of fresh strawberry, white peach, watermelon, and rose petals. Crisp and lively on the palate — bright red berry flavors balanced by citrus zest and refreshing acidity. Light-bodied yet flavorful, finishing clean and vibrant with subtle mineral notes. A rosé that brings the south of France to Walla Walla, by way of a Hong Kong-born winemaker who has never done anything the expected way.

Wine Details & Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes: Delicate pale salmon in color. Fresh aromas of strawberry, white peach, watermelon, and rose petals. Crisp and lively on the palate with bright red berry flavors, citrus zest, and refreshing acidity. Light-bodied yet flavorful — clean, vibrant finish with subtle mineral notes. Provence-inspired, Walla Walla-grown, Sangiovese-driven.

• Origin – Walla Walla AVA, Washington State, USA
• Producer – SMAK Wines; founded by Fiona S. Mak — Hong Kong-born entrepreneur and winemaker; one of the first Asian women to own and operate a winery in Washington State; inspired by time living in the south of France; philosophy: single-varietal rosés that celebrate elegance, freshness, diversity, and innovation
• Varietal – Sangiovese (100%; single-varietal rosé)
• Style – Dry rosé (Provence-inspired; crisp; mineral-driven; light-bodied; seasonal)

About Sangiovese Rosé

Sangiovese is one of Italy’s most celebrated red grapes — the backbone of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and much of Tuscany’s great wine heritage. As a rosé, it reveals a completely different and equally compelling side of its character: the same bright cherry and strawberry fruit, the same natural acidity and mineral freshness, but without the tannin and depth of a red wine. The result is a rosé with genuine structure and varietal character — not just color and refreshment. Fiona Mak’s decision to build her entire rosé program around single varietals rather than blends is what makes SMAK wines so distinctive, and Sangiovese is one of the most elegant and food-friendly expressions of that philosophy.

Food Pairing

The fresh strawberry, white peach, watermelon, citrus zest, and mineral finish of this Walla Walla Sangiovese rosé make it one of the most versatile and genuinely food-friendly summer wines in the collection. Pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, fresh oysters, and crab cakes — the crisp acidity and mineral character are a natural match for coastal seafood. The Sangiovese’s Italian heritage makes it a wonderful companion for bruschetta, caprese salad, grilled peaches with burrata, and any Tuscany-inspired preparation. Also excellent alongside herb-roasted chicken, light pasta with fresh tomato, and summer picnic spreads. A natural for Shades of Vino Spring and Summer Club selections, warm-weather entertaining, and any occasion that deserves a rosé as thoughtful and distinctive as the winemaker who made it. Serve well-chilled at 42–46°F.

Occasion

This is your go-to Walla Walla rosé — the bottle for Spring and Summer Club selections, seasonal gifting, and sharing with the rosé lover who wants something beyond the expected Provençal blend. A single-varietal Sangiovese rosé from one of Washington State’s most distinctive and pioneering woman winemakers — at $26.99, one of the most genuinely elegant and conversation-worthy summer bottles in the collection.

Wine Producer / Historical Notes

SMAK Wines was founded by Fiona S. Mak, a Hong Kong-born entrepreneur and winemaker who established the winery in Walla Walla, Washington to create expressive single-varietal rosé wines inspired by her experiences living in the south of France. Fiona became one of the first Asian women to own and operate a winery in Washington State — a distinction that reflects both the rarity of her path and the significance of what she’s built. Her philosophy is focused and uncompromising: single-varietal rosés that capture elegance and seasonal freshness while celebrating diversity and innovation within the wine industry. The Spring Rosé — 100% Sangiovese from Walla Walla AVA — is the fullest expression of that philosophy: a wine that carries the south of France in its structure, Italy in its grape, and Washington’s Walla Walla terroir in every glass.

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