New Vintage, Same Great Grenache
Today I’ve come to you ready to wax poetic about two of my favorite things - the grenache grape and the return of wines I love. Finding totally new producers for the shop is always a pleasure, but there’s something especially wonderful about receiving the newest vintage of a wine we’ve carried before and getting to fall in love all over again. It just so happens that the two bottles I’ve recently been lucky enough to put back on the shelves are also the perfect spokes-wines for my current favorite grape - grenache. It may not be as recognizable or cool as some of its more famous cousins, but grenache is juicy, elegant, marvelously versatile, and my number one pick for summer red wine. Traditionally used to play second or third fiddle in blends all over the world, grenache is finally taking center stage with more winemakers and I am thrilled to be able to help spread the good word.

Below, I’m highlighting two very different but equally delicious takes on grenache - one that is best served chilled on a hot summer day and the other as an impeccable and impressive partner to those lambchops you splurged on at the butcher this week. Both will help you (I hope) fall in love with grenache as I have. And don’t worry, if you’re looking for rosé or bubbles to beat the summer heat, I’ve got plenty of those too! Stop by the shop or reach out by phone or email - I’d love to get the perfect bottle in your hands today.

- Julia

2023 A Tribute To Grace Grenache $35

From an organic and biodynamic winemaker, Angela Osborne, who has chosen to focus exclusively on wines made from grenache. The 2023 is on the light side of medium-bodied with fresh red fruits and lovely savory, spicy notes. Chill it in the fridge for an hour and enjoy this easy-drinking (but not simple) red on a warm summery evening.

2022 Alvaro Palacios ‘Finca Dofi’ $126

Priorat, in Northern Spain, is one of the most classic regions for grenache (called garnacha there) and Alvaro Palacios has long been at the forefront of producing great wines there. Following tradition, here it is blended with cariñena (as well as a tiny percentage of other grapes), producing a concentrated and powerful wine with an exceptionally long finish. Where the Tribute to Grace is approachable and easy-drinking, the Finca Dofi is structured, elegant, and begs to be paired with something charred and meaty right off the grill.

Did one (or more) of these wines pique your interest? There are multiple ways to order with us! If you place your purchase through our online store, we’ll be happy to package and hold your bottles for you to pick up at your convenience. You can also email us and ask us to set aside any bottles you’re interested in picking up at a later date. We are able to ship to most states, so if you have any questions or would like to make special arrangements such as shipping, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (919) 644-1243.