This month we feature Grenache as the star grape. There are over 456,000 acres of Grenache planted around the world, mostly in France (sometimes known as Grenache Noir), followed by Spain (Garnacha or Garnatxa), Italy (Cannonau), the U.S. and Australia. Grenache rosés frequently exhibit a pink grapefruit color and have notes of ripe red fruits, orange flower and sometimes a hint of spice. You’ll find rosés of Grenache to have fairly high acidity, but are also more full bodied than typical Provence blends with Cinsault. The first rosé is made with grapes from Fresno, CA, and the second is a blend of all Grenache variations from the Languedoc.
Think Pink!
Carrie Upson
General Manager
Brockmeyer Rose 2018
Region / Country of Origin: Cederquist Vineyard, Fresno County, California
Winemaker: Brett and Richard Brockmeyer
About the Winemaking: Introducing the inaugural vintage of Brockmeyer Rosé, a very small production wine that’s only available at a few other shops in the world! Made from 100% Grenache, the grapes were harvested at daybreak and immediately shipped to the winery in Napa Valley where they were carefully destemmed, crushed and pumped into a tank for overnight contact on the skins to obtain the desired levels of color and flavor extraction. This was achieved after 18 hours, and then the must was transferred to the press, where juice was gently extracted and then transferred to a stainless steel tank for fermentation. Fermentation took place over 3 weeks from 48-52 ̊F. After primary fermentation was completed, malolactic fermentation was inhibited. The wine was then racked off of the fermentation lees, sterile filtered and bottled on January 10, 2019.
About the Vineyard: Cederquist Vineyard was originally planted in the 1890s and was producing when the Cederquists bought the neighboring property in 1904. The original Grenache plantings of just under 2 acres were planted with 8’x10’ spacing. In the 1940s the vineyard was acquired by the Cederquist family and expanded to its current size of 12 acres with additional plantings of Grenache on 8’x12’ spacing. This wine comes from the original 1890s plantings. Here’s a video of a flyover of the vineyard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E748rS3T1is&feature=youtu.be
Tasting Notes: Light, bright, and zippy, this rose shows aromas of strawberry and hints of bubble gum and watermelon candy. Medium to full-bodied with medium-high acidity, you'll taste berry and cherry flavors and a hint of lemon.
Price per bottle / Price per case: $22.00 per btl/$237.60 per case
Suggested Food Pairing: Serve with grilled anything; asparagus, chicken breasts, swordfish, kebobs, etc.
Domaine de Figueirasse Vin des Sables "Gris de Gris" 2018
Region / Country of Origin: Sable de Camargue IGP, France
Winemaker: Michel Saumade
About the Winery: For more than a century, the Saumade family has tended vines on the sandy shores of the Camargue delta in the south of France. The winery was established in 1905 and is certified organic. Domaine de Figueirasse gets its name from the fig trees farmed in the 19th century.
About the Winemaking: Gris de Gris des Sables is a particular style of rose wines made especially in the Camargue, an IGP in Languedoc-Roussillon. The sea is but 200 yards from the edge of their vineyards—and this influence from the air’s moisture that keeps vines quenched to sea salt that keeps them healthy is why organic viticulture here is as natural as the tides and the call of the seabirds overhead. Made of Grenache noir, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, and Cinsault, the grapes are hand-harvested in the evening when the temperatures are coolest. Grapes are destemmed and pressed immediately to extract the characteristically delicate pink color of “gris de gris” wines. It is fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
Tasting Notes: Dry, lively and refreshing. Aromas and flavors of tangy red cherries, pomegranate, fresh ginger, white pepper.
Price per bottle / Price per case: $13.00 btl/$140.40 per case
Suggested Food Pairing: As an aperitif; with light, Mediterranean-inspired meals
