2020 KurocksGrenache

Our limestone soils are quite exceptional for growing Grenache. The naturally low pH bestowed on our grapes by the calcareous soils here at RHV bring both texture and aromatics to the fore of this wine. Grenache is one of the only red varieties we destem prior to fermentation; we like the fine-grain tannin in the skins without the additional stem tannins that whole bunch fermentation can bring. We also have adopted a very light cap management regimen, opting for gentle irrigation of the cap with a watering can instead of vigorous pigeage or pumpovers. Light in color, huge in flavor, this red is one of our everyday favorites. 2020 gave us herbaceous and pine-y notes with black olive brine and sweet aromatics of strawberry jam. Grenache grown on Rorick Heritage Vineyard's limestone is noteworthy for its combination of pale hue, explosive aromatics, and stout grip. While the lightness of color in this wine often draws comment, it should be noted that we do not use any special approach in the cellar to limit color extraction -- this wine is not pressed off the skins early nor treated gingerly in the fermenter. The wine’s brilliant pale garnet color stems entirely from the interaction of the vine (ENTAV clone 632, a southern Rhone selection) with the limestone soils and our alpine growing season.