Cal Poly Pomona's Horsehill Vineyards has produced its first sparkling wine, Rossana, named after W.K. Kellogg's stunning foundation Arabian mare.

A classically styled brut rosé, Rossana is produced from Zinfandel grapes grown at Horsehill Vineyards that are lightly pressed to capture its blush hue. It is available while supplies last in the Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch and the Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch for $20 a bottle.

"This is an excellent sparkling wine for the spring and summer and should be enjoyed very chilled," says Margie Ferree Jones, associate professor at The Collins College of Hospitality Management. "Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for many occasions and cuisines. It's a nice beverage for brunch or could be paired with spicy barbeque."

In 1926, Kellogg brought Rossana to the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Ranch, which eventually became Cal Poly Pomona. She was among the first horses that Kellogg brought in, and she had a rose grey coat and nearly faultless conformation. Rossana's beauty and excellent temperament made her popular with celebrity visitors to the ranch. She was also one of Kellogg's favorite mounts, known for her steadiness and dependability, and in his later years he rode her exclusively.

The Zinfandel grapes themselves are a living link to the viticultural heritage of the region. The grapes, which grow on campus, have been cultivated from cuttings from the historic De Ambrogio Ranch in Rancho Cucamonga. Before the ranch was razed for development in 2001, third-generation vintner Don Galleano combed the fields and selected 400 grapevine cuttings, some of them nearly 100 years old, and donated them to the university.

Horsehill Vineyards is a partnership project between The Collins College of Hospitality Management, the College of Agriculture and South Coast Winery. Each group lends their expertise in producing the finished product.

(Photo: Rossana sparkling wine)