Winemaker Notes
The Besson Family’s old Grenache vineyard presented a completely different calculus. In 2025, yields were modest, as were the cluster and berry sizes- a function of these dry-farmed vines managing their resources by setting an increasingly small crop with every passing vintage. One of the great virtues of Besson is its clarity in communicating when it is ready. Even before the grapes are ready, they are absolutely delicious. But when à point, a switch is flipped; an electric lightning bolt of cherry liqueur and alpine herbs hits the palate. Pick too early, and the Besson distinctiveness does not obtain: a highly amplified Amaro/Chinato/mountain herb scent, along with an intense raspberry liqueur quality unique to wines made in this corner of the Santa Clara Valley - that forestry, alpine, liqueur deliciousness which makes the wine taste like nothing else but Grenache, and like no other Grenache.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state's wine. This vast California wine district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.
Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
While the Central Coast California wine region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few Central Coast reds and whites. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state's small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.