The Rodney Strong Vineyards offer a wide range of wines, including their popular Cabernet Sauvignon. However, it is important to note that none of their wines can be considered technically vegan friendly. This is because they use natural fining agents in their winemaking process, such as egg white in their red wines and isinglass, which is derived from fish, in their white wines.
Fining agents are used to clarify and stabilize the wine, helping to remove any unwanted particles or sediment. They are typically added during the winemaking process and eventually settle to the bottom of the tank or barrel, along with the sediment and other solids, allowing for a clearer and more visually appealing wine.
In the case of Rodney Strong Vineyards, egg white is used as a fining agent in their red wines. While it may seem unusual to use egg products in winemaking, egg whites have long been used as a traditional fining agent due to their ability to bind to tannins and other unwanted compounds in the wine, helping to remove them. However, this does mean that their red wines are not suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Similarly, isinglass, which is derived from fish bladders, is used in their white wines as a fining agent. Isinglass has been used for centuries in winemaking as it helps to remove any haze or cloudiness in the wine, resulting in a clearer and more visually appealing final product. However, this means that their white wines are also not vegan friendly.
It is worth noting that these fining agents are used in small quantities and are removed from the final product through filtration or settling processes. This means that there are no actual traces of egg white or isinglass in the wine that is consumed. However, for individuals who avoid animal products entirely, the fact that these agents are used in the winemaking process may be a concern.
If you are specifically looking for vegan-friendly wines, there are many wineries and producers that specialize in vegan wines, using alternative fining agents such as bentonite clay or activated charcoal. These wines are typically labeled as vegan or vegetarian-friendly, making it easier for consumers to identify them.
While Rodney Strong Vineyards offer a range of high-quality wines, their Cabernet Sauvignon, like their other wines, is not considered vegan friendly due to the use of egg white fining agents in their red wines and isinglass in their white wines. If you are following a vegan diet or have dietary restrictions, it is recommended to seek out wines that are specifically labeled as vegan or vegetarian-friendly.