2019 Grenache Non-PartagéGrenache Non-Partagé

This creature is one of the rarest among the rare. An abundance of crop in 2019 allowed us to play and experiment with our fermentations, bringing a new style of Grenache to our cellar. If you’ve had our Kurocks Grenache, you’ll be familiar with its pale garnet color as a result of light extraction, sweet berry aromatics, notes of pine, and fine tannin. The Non-Partagé Grenache is a different beast altogether -- although it has the underlying characteristics, the structure, aromas and palate presence is all amplified with a result similar in style to Gigondas - though without the weight and high alcohol.

We made this wine by completely submerging the grapes in their own juice for the entirety of fermentation, holding the cap beneath the surface of the wine. The constant contact of grapes submerged in fermenting juice allows for greater extraction of anthocyanins and flavor and aromatic compounds, resulting in a wine with a deeper intensity of flavor and color. In addition, all of this extraction occurs in the absence of oxygen, allowing the Grenache's color and aroma -- both very prone to oxidization in this variety -- to become stabilized ("fixed") in the wine. What does that mean? It gives us the same color that the Kurocks Grenache has, but brighter and more vivid in hue. It gives us the same aromatics, but fuller and more intense in expression. And once these compounds are fixed in the wine, they are less prone to oxidize down the road, meaning that this bottle is amazingly fresh, bright, and lively, and will continue to show well for some time to come.

We were of course quite happy with the results of this experiment, but the wine needed quite a bit of time -- 3 years in a hogshead -- to soften its edges and an additional 2 years in bottle to evolve. This wine has surprisingly BIG structure and could continue to age for many years to come but we are enjoying drinking it now with a little decanting. We recommend several hours in a decanter to open up. Try it when you pop it open and then check back a few hours later - you will be stunned at the difference.

Pairing this wine with food raises its enjoyment even more. A hearty dish like game stew, braised lamb, casseroles and burgers will elevate your experience of the wine. Its red and black fruit flavors, and spicy, dried herb notes complement savory/sweet dishes like tagine.