American Grenache
Ah, Grenache — the unsung hero of the wine world. It's a warm-climate grape that’s incredibly versatile, often playing both lead and supporting roles in wines that range from fruity and juicy to deep and complex. Here's the lowdown.
Grenache (aka Garnacha in Spain) is a red grape variety known for producing wines that are soft, juicy, and fruit-forward. It's one of the most widely planted grapes in the world and thrives in hot, dry climates — think southern France, Spain, Australia, and even parts of California. In the Southern Rhône it is often blended in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, and Gigondas with Syrah and Mourvèdre. In the early 1980’s, several maverick American winemakers and wine growers began experimenting with Rhone-style wines. By mid-decade, several California Rhone producers including Steve Edmunds of Edmunds St. John, Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard, and Bob Lindquist of Qupé, were meeting informally to share winemaking information and insights.
Grenache Blanc is the white-skinned mutation of the red Grenache (Grenache Noir) grape. Just like its red counterpart, it originated in Spain (where it’s known as Garnacha Blanca), but is now widely grown in France, especially in the Southern Rhône and Languedoc-Roussillon regions. It's known for making rich, full-bodied white wines that often have flavors of green apple, pear, stone fruits (like peach and apricot), sometimes a little bit of herbal or floral notes, and depending on where and how it's made, honeyed or nutty characteristics as it ages. It often has a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel. Its low to moderate acidity make it a good choice for blending (especially to soften sharper, more acidic, wines). You’ll often see it alongside Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, and sometimes even with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Salud!
The PlumpJack Wine Team
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2022 Epiphany Grenache Blanc |
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Region / Country of Origin: Santa Barbara County, CA |
About the winery: Epiphany finds its identity and passion in the production of esoteric Rhone-based varietals and blends from some of the finest vineyard designates in California. Founded by Eli Parker at the turn of the last century, Epiphany was at first intended as a creative outlet for the then adventurous winemaking son of Fess Parker. As the years progressed, Eli assumed the role of Brand Visionary, paving the way for winemaker Blair Fox to assume the enological reins at the winery. About the winemaking: 82% Stainless steel fermented and aged in neutral French Oak barrels for 7 months; 11% fermented & aged in 2- & 3-year-old French oak puncheon; 7% fermented and aged in a concrete egg for 7 months Tasting Notes: Our 2022 Grenache Blanc is bursting with refreshing aromas of orange blossom, jasmine and white peach followed by sweet candied ginger and vanilla notes. Plump and rich with flavors of Meyer lemon, green apple and Asian pear which are rounded out by a hint of pie crust, vanilla and a long mineral finish. “Tight aromas of chalk, melon and lime pith are very fresh and vibrant on the nose of this bottling. The palate is racy with acidity and tight in texture, perfect for oysters or any food requiring an added zip.” 93 Points Wine Enthusiast |
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Winemaker: Blair Fox |
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Price: $23.99/btl/ $259.09 cs |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Best when served chilled, this wine can be paired with a wide variety of foods, especially richly spiced dishes. Savor with tempura shrimp, broiled lobster, garlic chicken or a roasted pork shoulder. |
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2021 Sheldon Pure Grenache ‘pitch & frequency’ |
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Region / Country of Origin: Sonoma, California |
About the Winemaker: Dylan spent his early years working on his fathers organic farm whose produce supplied a number of excellent restaurants. A love for scents and flavors led him to work in kitchen restaurants at an early age. Shortly thereafter he discovered a love for wine and the forensic nature by which it revealed itself in the glass. His fascination with wine blossomed into working as a Sommelier, where he began traveling the world to meet the people and places these amazing bottles came from. More connected to the visceral aspects of farming and production, he retired the suit and jumped into winemaking headfirst, now with 27 vintages of experience spanning France, Australia, New Zealand, California, and most recently on Vancouver Island in Canada. Since returning to the US and launching the brand in 2003 he has crafted award-winning wines for Sheldon Wines and dozens of esteemed clients as a consulting winemaker. Blending biodynamic techniques with innovation, Dylan continually raises the benchmark on sustainable wine production. His curiosity, thirst for knowledge and dedication to crafting exceptional wines that reflect each site's unique terroir are reflected in every sip. About the winemaking: Dylan’s approach with Grenache is to very lightly crush on whole cluster, cover with a CO2 blanket (dry ice) for 24 hours of cold soaking prior to fermentation. After a period of slow, semi-carbonic fermentation (generally 7-10 days) they gently de-stem, leaving 80% of the berries whole to complete the remainder of fermentation, which allows for savory and spice components to establish, as well as stabilizing color and preventing oxidation without the use of sulfur during the crush/ferm process. Gently pressed, the wine settles in stainless steel before barreling down into neutral French oak. Racked during new moon cycles and according to tidal charts for low O2 transfer and better lees compaction, which allows for improved aromatics, and excellent clarity without having to filter the wines. Tasting Notes: This is a delightfully pure expression of Grenache, a flirty exhibitionist revealing upfront notes of crushed raspberries, black cherries, strawberry and currant fruits. The whole cluster component lends the spicy-savory tones of sandalwood, white pepper and a hint of wild fennel pollen. The medium bodied palate has a nice frame, with a satiny Pinot Noir-like quality. A little touch of stone fruit, kirsch and hibiscus tea show up on the finish with that ‘sweet-tart combo’ that is bright and mouth-watering. The combination of sites, with varied soils from marine sedimentary to Sonoma volcanics adding finesse and mineral depth here. |
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Winemaker: Dylan Sheldon |
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Price: $25.99 bottle / $280.69 |
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Suggested Food Pairings: Grilled meats (especially lamb or pork), Roasted vegetables, Mediterranean dishes (think olives, tomatoes, herbs), Barbecue. |
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