Happy Grenache Day
Santa Barbara County, California is the longest valley that runs East to West (not North to South). It is located in between 2 large mountain ranges - Santa Ynez Mountain range and San Rafael range with elevations ranging from 200-3,400feet. This creates microclimates, soil types and hilly terrains which are ideal conditions for world-class cool climate wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). Soil types range from calcareous limestone (maintains acidity), diatomaceous earth (concentrated wines), sandy (fruity styles), and clay loam (retains moisture). Cool winds and fog blow in from the western Pacific Ocean providing cooling effects to extend the growing season. This creates elegant, lighter style wines than typical California styles. The region has 6 AVAs (see below map) - Santa Ynez Valley is an overlying AVA which is broken down into four sub-AVAs (West to East): Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District, and Happy Canyon. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris.
Lumen Santa Barbara County Grenache 2014 is 100% Grenache from Northern Santa Barbara County, Martin Vineyard and Camp 4 Vineyard. Lumen Wines was established by Will Henry and Lane Tanner in 2012 through a desire to create cool climate wines. Their hands on approach as well quality winemaking creates world class, balanced, lively wines. The grapes were fermented in an open top tank, hand pushed down with extended cold soaking, aged in neutral French and Hungarian oak. The wine has aromas of intense cranberry, blueberry, cinnamon and earth. The palate is dry, medium bodied, acidity and tannins; flavors of cranberry, blueberry, cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, rose petals, chalky, allspice, vanilla and brown sugar. It has a lively energy to it, smooth and elegant. At 14.15%abv you wouldn’t know it, ergo it is incredibly balanced.
Pairs well with roast pork with coriander garlic rub, grilled Moroccan spiced steak tips, pan seared chicken cutlets, mushroom crostini, lentil vegetable stew.
My video review of this wine is available on Instagram: Lumen Grenache 2014
Image courtesy of Santa Barbara Wine Country
