Retired teachers Marc Roland and his wife Nancy name some of their wines after excerpts from La Chanson de Roland (“The Song of Roland”), an epic poem based on a famous battle during the reign of Charlemagne that is the oldest surviving major work of French literature. “The poem inspires courage, loyalty, and endurance. Believe me, that’s what it takes to survive in the wine business,” says Marc, who made wine in Longview’s amateur wine club for 15 years before going commercial.
There came a moment when it became clear to him that he needed fruit that was better than what the club’s sources could provide. His quest for quality fruit was rewarded at a grape growers convention in 2007. “I sat next to a nice gentleman who asked me who I was and why I was attending. The gentleman was puzzled when I told him I was a home winemaker, and he said he was impressed with my dedication,” recalls Marc. “He offered me some Dolcetto grapes that had recently become available. I barely knew what Dolcetto was, but was so impressed with the man, I agreed to buy the grapes. As it turned out, the man was Mike Sauer, owner of famed Red Willow Vineyard.” With that nudge, Marc got his winery license the next year.
The tasting room is in the “barrel district” (near two new breweries) in an older warehouse with a roll up garage door and an outside deck for al fresco dining. There’s a pizza oven that’s a big hit with locals. Marc’s son, Zak, a former sous chef, makes the dough from scratch using authentic Italian flour and fresh ingredients like local artisan charcuterie. “My winemaking style has been influenced by food. That’s why I like Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Dolcetto, fruit-driven wine with bright acidity and restrained oak influence,” says Marc. Wines available by the taste, glass or bottle include Le Vignes de Marcoux Dolcetto, Solstice Syrah, La Chanson de Roland Red Wine, and The Olifont Cabernet.
Visit the tasting room in Longview: $5 tasting fee refundable with purchase, 1106 Florida St., Longview, WA.
Roland 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard “The Olifont” Cabernet Sauvignon, $32
Nose: Red and black fruit with notes of sage, underbrush and spice.|
Taste: Powerful, vibrant and concentrated, brimming with flavors of black currant with underpinnings of cherry, plum and licorice that gain momentum with mulled spice, sage and fine-grained tannins on the upbeat finish.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 50 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
Roland Wines 2013 La Chanson de Roland Red Wine, $26
A Merlot-forward red blend of Merlot (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), and Cabernet Franc (5%).
Nose: Jammy aromas of purple and black fruit, vanilla, fresh cream and forest floor.
Taste: Rich, bold and dense, exhibiting ripe blueberry, plum, black currant and licorice layered with graphite, mint and sage notes.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 130 cases
Alcohol: 14%
Roland Wines 2013 Red Willow Vineyard Solstice Syrah, $28
Nose: Tarry-edged aromas of pie cherry, red currant and graphite.
Taste: Expansive and broadly textured, this red wine pulsates with densely packed flavors of dark cherry, red and black currant, and black licorice. The core flavors are integrated with oregano, cedar spice and fine tannins. A spear of juicy acidity rises up on the generous finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 14%
Roland Wines 2014 Le Vignes de Marcoux Vineyard Dolcetto, $20
Nose: Dusty dark cherry, bright red plum and earthy spice.
Taste: Bright, energetic and expressive, with moderate tannins and captivating flavors of spiced cherry, red currant and lavendar inlaid with hints of licorice, clove and cocoa. Finishes with lively acidity.
Editor’s Choice
Production: 60 cases
Alcohol: 14%
Website: www.rolandwines.com