This past Friday night we found ourselves at Cypher Winery celebrating Grenache Day. I think I’m noticing a pattern amongst wine lovers…let’s make every single day a “_____ Day” so we can celebrate and oh, let’s see…drink wine. Gosh I love wine folks, brilliant plan.
Cypher Winery was an awesome host and here’s the list of Rhone Rangers that participated:
It was a great turnout and the reason I know that is that the humongous parking lot at Cypher was packed and people were even parking across the street. Since Annie and I don’t get out anymore due to having the baby at home it’s really enjoyable for us to be able to get a babysitter and go to this type of event.
We know we’re going to see a bunch of friends and acquaintances and it’s nice to let them know we’re still alive. That being said though we end up chatting with people and catching up therefore we don’t get to taste all the wines available. In fact I think I only tried about six but all were enjoyable. I know it sounds odd but it was quite chilly (the Templeton Gap will do that to you) and for some reason I dislike the cold and can’t quite really taste the wine like I normally can. Side note: Thanks for letting me borrow the jacket Steve, I owe you.
The folks from Cypher Winery were making pizzas in the outside pizza oven…which I utilized for warmth (thanks pizza lady). There was also some cheese and crackers out for attendees to chow down on but wood fired pizza wins in my book.
Here’s some information about Grenache via the flyer from the event:
“Grenache appears to have originated in Spain, most likely in the northern province of Aragon. In Spain, this varietal is known as Garnacha. Grenache was brought to California in the late 1860’s, where its erect carriage, vigor and resistance to drought made it a popular planting of choice. It is vigorous, and at high production makes wines that are simple, friendly and approachable. When production is restricted, Grenache can assume tremendous depth and longevity, yet can still open up tighter, more tannic varietals such as Syrah and Mourvedre.”
So there you have it…all that being said who has your favorite Grenache in Paso Robles???
We’ve been enjoying the granaches from Mooney, Barrel 27, and Herman Story. Have you tried any of those recently, Matt and Annie?
We had Mooney at this little party, Diane and we have some of the Herman Story in our house. Barrel 27 we probably had about 4 months ago maybe. All good stuff for sure, you’re right! 🙂
We used to make a stand alone Grenache and I loved it. I think that strawberry character of Grenache is so appealing, but we make so many wines and several were in direct competition with the Grenache that we discontinued it as a varietal. We still use it in our red rhone blend Cote du Robles, but we felt with that wine and our Sangiovese we had 3 wines that just were too close to each other in style and flavors. Still love it and drink a lot of OPs.
Gary, it’s hard to make everything, got to have your priorities for sure. I like that your list is extensive though, gives us consumers a lot of options!!
I would definitely have to say that I caught the Grenache bug when I moved to the Paso Robles area, and I have to thank the folks at Pipestone Vineyards for that.
Mitch, right on. I got into Grenache a couple of years ago. Have not had Pipestone’s though.
It may have seemed spur of the moment, but actually Grenache Day is part of International Grenache Day, organized by the Grenache Symposium in France. This was the 3rd (or maybe 4th.) Its always the 3rd Friday in September. (A date I wish they would change, but a great global event nonetheless.)
http://www.grenache-association.com/grenache-day
The Rhone Rangers chapters and some wineries, organized events in support.
William, I knew it was part of the international event, just failed to mention it. Thanks for the other info. Why do you wish the date would change?
oh, good, I didn’t want you to think it was a random event RR came up with. 🙂
re: date – it’s right in the middle of harvest. We had a good event in Healdsburg as well, but several small wineries who wanted to send the winemaker couldn’t. For 1-2 person operations like me, it can be very hard, I had to schedule picks around the event is all. 🙂
William, gotcha. Makes sense. Maybe they will rethink it and change the dates. Cheers man.
Sorry I didn’t connect on the Grenache day festivities! Definitely one of my go-to varietals. Looks like a good line up. I especially like the Cass Grenache.
David, Cass is good for sure. Lots of good ones here in Paso. I am more familiar with our local Grenache than I am with out of the area stuff.