Winemaker Notes
The grapes were grown in the Central Coast's now famous Paso Robles appellation which is mountainous and warm, yet close to the coast which moderates the temperatures. Paso Robles is well known for exceptional red wines, particularly Syrah and the other two Rhone varietals found in this blend: Grenache and Mourvedre, due to the low yields and amazing concentration which makes the resulting wines true to varietal character and distinct. Syrah provides the big fruit and concentrated base of the blend, the Mourvedre the earth and leathery qualities and the Grenache is all spice.
This wine is ideal with cassoulet or other hearty stews. It is a natural with spit roasted and grilled meats, especially heavily seasoned, dry rubbed meats that are slow cooked and/or smoked. It's also nice with lamb or venison with soft polenta and reggiano parmesan with wilted or sauteed greens like arugula (seasoned with a fine aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil) or kale, spinach or broccoli rabe with sea salt.
Blend: 60% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.