Friday Sips

One can't really hold a Grenache celebration without including one from Spain because it is in this country, specifically Aragon, where ampelographical evidence has traced its DNA roots. Since its first mention in the early 1500s the grape has spread to areas like Chateauneuf, Sardinia, Catalonia, Australia, America and more.

Bernabeleva, meaning the bear's forest, is an exciting Bodega located a mere 50 miles west of Madrid in the foothills of the Sierra de Grados Mountains. Grenache (or Garnacha) is king at this estate and the various elevations and soil-types are what drives each of the estate's wines. The Navaherros cuvee is 100% of today's featured varietal and comes from vines ranging from 40-60 years of age. A hearty, aromatic number and possessing pronounced Mediterranean herbs and spices around dense blackberry, violet and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, mouth-watering and concentrated fruit. Impressive spiciness presents itself on the ripe, knife-edge, full finish that is pleasantly structured. Very attractive to drink now, especially with lamb or a beef brisket with a savory sauce.

Michael Dashe and his wines are very well-known when it comes to Sonoma and Dry Creek. Having worked alongside some California heavy-hitters including Paul Draper at Ridge Dashe is highly regarded as a Zinfandel specialist however there are a few other excellent wines done here as well including an outstanding Grenache. Elevated in large, 900 gallon French casks, Dashe's goal isn't to make something that is thick, oozing or overtly ponderous, instead this wine is one of the most charming New World versions of this fine grape that you will come across.

100% Grenache that is full of exuberance and freshness but no shortage of body and intensity. Loaded with the proverbial strawberries and cream with blueberry and violet tones along for the ride. The sum of all the parts on the nose are amply surrounded white pepper and licorice all which come together and follow through to a generously-textured wine textured and fills the mouth with authority yet follows through nicely with vibrancy and spice. Very enjoyable for late summer barbecues or tailgating parties and will also age nicely for 4-6 years as well.

Italy and Sardinia are also represented at the party especially given the island's history with the grape. Known as Cannonau on the island and brought by the Kingdom of Aragon when they ruled the island in the Middle Ages and Renaissance era Grenache has always possessed a sort of nobility here and is decidedly individual and shows its marked difference and uniqueness to its impressive island terroir.

90% Cannonau and a 10% blend of local Sardinian varietals this island red is packed with aromas of Mediterranean garrigue spices, prominent notes of raspberry, plum/pepper, intriguing sea-salt and cinnamon that waft from the glass. The texture is warm and engaging with interwoven cherry-pit and minerally flavors which unfold into a voluptuous, tangy finish. Have at this brooding red with braised meat dishes or aged sheep's milk cheeses.

Jean-Luc Mayard is the prototype Provençal farmer. Here is a guy who could care less about how to gloss and market his wines. His best answer to marketing is that those who need it "should make better wines"! First and foremost is Jean-Luc's commitment to the vineyard which carries over into the bottle. These are extremely traditional Chateauneufs. Since they are traditionally not destemmed, whole clusters that are aged in large vats, they won't show the modern-style manipulated color. The 2010s (and recent vintages) have greater color concentration; maybe less purple hue but with mammoth concentration and are deep, dense and profound! The Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape one of Jean-Luc's two masterpiece Chateauneufs. Here is where I digress and often get ornery because many people feel that this is a so-called entry version in comparison to the Vieilles Vignes. This is not a second wine it is a different wine made from different parcels, old vines and a completely different varietal breakdown and seriously grand scale, especially when one considers the price point!

80% Grenache - 5% Syrah - 5% Cinsault - 5 % Mourvedre - 5% Vaccarese, the 2010 is genius, genuine and the utmost reflection of a great vintage. Serious levels of black licorice and blackberry with supporting notes of kirsch and herbes de provence. An androgynous wine that is statuesque, detailed, chock full of spice and revealing fantastic depth and lively characteristics that are hallmarks of the vintage. Make no mistake, this has formidable grip and backbone and always ages impeccably. One really sees this on the assertive and very lingering finish. Drink this beauty through 2025.