2014 Provisor Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Grenache

Release Date: Spring 2016

Production: 60 cases

Vineyard: Located in the famed Lytton Springs District of Dry Creek Valley, Provisor Vineyard’s prized red rock soils are planted to Tablas Creek Clone D Grenache in ideal north-south rows that run down a gently sloping hillside. Grown in Provisor’s warm, dry conditions, these organically farmed grapes achieve beautiful ripeness, while preserving wonderful natural acidity and tannins.

Harvest: We picked our Grenache on September 5th at 24.5° Brix. While a very mild winter and spring resulted in one of our earliest harvests ever, we were able to pick exactly when we wanted, ensuring only pristine, perfectly developed grapes. 

Fermentation: To preserve its rustic tannins, 100% of this wine was fermented as whole clusters using the traditional pigeage method, with 25% undergoing carbonic maceration to highlight the Grenache’s bright, sweet fruit notes.

Cellar Notes: To further highlight this wine’s alluring fruit flavors, it was aged for 16 months in neutral 500-liter French oak puncheons. It was racked once and bottled unfiltered and unfined in January of 2016.

Technical Notes:

Alcohol: 13.9
pH: 3.47
Total acid: 6.4 g/l
Malolactic fermentation: Completed

Tasting Notes: While this wine has beautiful fruit character, with lush and inviting layers of candied cherry and Kirsch, it also has a sophisticated savory side, with notes of moist earth, leather, lavender and cracked pepper. On the palate, firm tannins and good acidity frame the flavors, while adding length to the finish. To fully showcase its beautiful fruit, we recommend decanting this wine and serving it very slightly chilled. 

Vision: I love Grenache. With its alluring red fruit aromas and rustic tannins, it can be a wonderful food wine. My goal is to accentuate this wine’s depth, complexity and ability to age, while still showcasing the vibrant character that makes Great Grenache so fun and appealing.