Dunn & Sons Wine releases a private label rosé just in time for summer sipping.
by Jennifer Sperry
Photographs by Nina Ortega
The wines at Dunn & Sons Wine in Yarmouth Port are hand-picked not just for their flavor but also for the farming and production methods behind the scenes.
“We’re very thoughtful and careful about how we buy our wine,” says Erica Dunn, who co-owns the boutique shop, as well as sister restaurant The Pheasant in Dennis, with husband Adam Dunn. “We seek out small producers who use sustainable farming methods, most of which are organic and/or biodynamic. And we love to showcase wines that aren’t available anywhere else on Cape Cod.”
With the help of two staff sommeliers, Derek Salkin and Kim Prokoshyn, the Dunns stock their shelves with predominantly natural (aka minimal-intervention during the cellar and making processes) wines from around the world. However, with customers frequently asking for wine made on Cape Cod, an idea began to form. Why not produce their own private label vintage that celebrates the feel of being on Cape Cod?
“We thought it would be nice to have the Dunn brand associated with a wine for customers to enjoy anytime, one that would create a lasting memory once opened,” explains Prokoshyn of the team’s thought process. The first step: finding a maker to fit the brand ethos. Cue Patrick Cappiello, a successful restaurateur and all-things-wine guru. A mentor of Prokoshyn’s, Cappiello had already wowed an audience at a Dunn & Sons wine dinner two years ago.
“The audience fell in love with him and his knowledge,” explains Erica. “He is very involved in the wine community, and we stand behind the transparency of his wine making.”
Without much ado, Cappiello said yes. “I love doing private label productions,” he admits, speaking from his home base at Monte Rio Cellars in Sonoma County, California. “Wine makers tend to do the same things over and over again, but a partnership like this is very fresh and interactive. It reminds me how lucky I am to be a maker.”
After some back and forth about type and style, the team decided on a rosé made with Zinfandel. “The grapes were grown using organic, regenerative farming, which basically involves utilizing everything from your land’s ecosystem,” describes Cappiello. “You rely on resources from within the ecosystem to solve problems, like planting wildflowers to attract pests and protect grape vines. This method is very labor intensive but very exciting.”
How to describe the rosé’s flavor profile? “It has a nice fruitiness—with a bit of ripe cherry and watermelon—but finishes light and dry and fresh,” says Prokoshyn. It pairs perfectly with grilled seafood and summer salads. Oysters are always a good idea, too, notes Erica.
For the label, the Dunns looked to their two young sons for inspiration, just as they did when naming their wine store. “Our boys have matching pajamas from Joy Street Kids, and we thought, why not use the same whimsical look?” recalls Erica. Joy Street founder and artist Eliza Ferrel jumped at the opportunity, mixing both Cape Cod- and wine-themed motifs.
With 60 cases of rosé selling fast, Erica and Adam are sure to investigate other private label ventures. But for now, they are enjoying the rosé’s popularity. Summarizes Erica: “It’s a happy-go-lucky, easy-drinking wine to enjoy with friends and family. Who needs more than that?”
Dunn & Sons Wine is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 13 Willow St., Yarmouth Port.
@dunnandsonswine
